Control and navigation systems

ABSTRACT

A navigation program for an autonomous vehicle, the navigation program configured to: receive an initial model of an object to be inspected by the autonomous vehicle; identify an inspection target associated with the initial model of the object; and determine an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle from which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection system of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model includes one or more convex shapes representing the object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/GB2019/052500, filed Sep. 6, 2019, which claims priority to United Kingdom Patent Application Serial No. 1815864.2, filed Sep. 28, 2018, and Greek Patent Application Serial No. 20180100410, filed Sep. 10, 2018, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to control and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles and, in particular embodiments, for unmanned autonomous vehicles.

BACKGROUND

With the decrease in the cost of sensor technology and computing power, among other things, there has been a great deal of recent development in relation to autonomous vehicles, including unmanned autonomous vehicles (which are colloquially referred to as “drones”).

Such vehicles may be controlled by a human operator located remotely from the drone and that control may be partially automated. For example, in the case of an aerial vehicle, one or more of the flight controls may be autonomous such that the role of the operator is simplified. Nevertheless, there is a desire to provide fully autonomous drones which are capable of performing tasks substantially without operator intervention.

Effective substantially fully autonomous drones will reduce the requirement for a skilled operator (making the tasks those drones complete simpler and less expensive), reduce the risk of operator-error, and help to ensure repeatability along with a systematic approach to certain tasks.

Some tasks in which drones are already being used include the inspection of objects and structures. In particular, aerial drones have shown great potential in this regard—reducing the need for human inspections to take place (which can be extremely difficult in relation to some objects and structures).

Increasing the degree of automation of drones performing such tasks is difficult. In particular, the drone must be navigated within a real-world environment in which objects are not always in a known, and/or predetermined location and in which the drone (and other objects) are constantly exposed to changing environmental conditions.

There is a need, therefore, to provide local control and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles, and/or better control and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are recited below and in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example autonomous vehicle of some embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an autonomous vehicle of some embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a base station of some embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of an operator interface device of some embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows an example system of some embodiments;

FIG. 6 shows inspection targets in relation to a wind turbine;

FIG. 7 shows inspection targets and inspection locations with respect to a wind turbine;

FIG. 8 shows a point cloud misalignment;

FIG. 9 shows a state flow according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows an autonomous vehicle performing an inspection operation in relation to an object;

FIG. 11 shows an autonomous vehicle performing an inspection operation in relation to an object; and

FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of a process of generating and combining in-flight models according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention may include an autonomous vehicle 1. The autonomous vehicle 1 could take a number of different forms and many of the embodiments are described with reference to the autonomous vehicle 1 being an aerial vehicle (i.e., an aircraft). However, the autonomous vehicle 1 could be a land vehicle (configured for move across a ground surface), or a watercraft (configured to move through water), or an amphibious vehicle, for example.

The autonomous vehicle 1 may be a multirotor helicopter 1 and embodiments will be described, for convenience, in relation to a multirotor helicopter 1 (and, in particular, a quadcopter)—see FIG. 1 , for example.

The autonomous vehicle 1 may include a frame 11 (i.e., a chassis)—see FIG. 1 , for example. The frame 11 may be configured to support a drive system 12 of the autonomous vehicle 1—see FIG. 2 , for example. The drive system 12 is configured to drive movement of the autonomous vehicle 1. Accordingly, the drive system 12 may include one or more motors 121 and/or one or more engines 122. The one or more motors 121 may each be an electrical motor and the one or more engines 122 may each be an internal combustion engine. The drive system 12 may include one or more gearboxes or other mechanical transmission systems.

The drive system 12 may be configured to drive rotational movement, for example, of one or more drive elements 13—see FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example—of the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the frame 11 about respective rotational axes (via a gearbox or other mechanical transmission system, or otherwise). The or each drive element 13, when so driven, is configured to drive movement of the autonomous vehicle 1—e.g., through the air, along the ground, through the water, etc.

The or each drive element 13 may include a respective propeller, rotor or wheel, for example. In the case of a rotorcraft, for example, the or each drive element 13 may include a rotor. The or each drive element 13 may be configured, on rotation, to cause movement of the autonomous vehicle 1 in at least one direction.

As will be appreciated, depending on the nature of the autonomous vehicle 1 relatively complex arrangements of drive elements 13 may be provided. This is especially true of rotorcraft—of which there are numerous different known configurations.

In some embodiments, the drive system 12 may include one or more other actuators which control or drive movement of the autonomous vehicle 1. For example, the drive system 12 may include one or more steering mechanisms which are configured to move one or more steerable elements (such as wheels or a rudder) of the autonomous vehicle 1. The drive system 12 may include one or flight control actuators which are configured to move one or more flight control surfaces of the autonomous vehicle 1 (similar control actuators and surfaces may be provided for other types of craft, such as watercraft and “flight” control actuators and surfaces should be construed accordingly). In general terms, these are other examples of drive elements 13 and the actuators may be electrically or hydraulically driven for example.

In the case of a quadcopter as the autonomous vehicle 1, for example, there may be four drive elements 13 which each comprise a rotor. However, as in the depicted example, a quadcopter may also use a coaxial drive element 13 configuration such that there is a total of eight drive elements 13 arranged in four co-axial pairs. This, as will be appreciated, is just one example configuration.

The precise configuration of the drive elements 13 with respect to the frame 11 will depend on the nature of the autonomous vehicle 1 and the intended movements of the autonomous vehicle 1. In some embodiments in which the autonomous vehicle 1 is a multirotor helicopter, the autonomous vehicle 1 includes a plurality of drive elements 13 which are arranged with rotational axes which are generally vertical in normal operation. In fixed wing aircraft and/or boats and/or land vehicles, the or each drive element 13 have a rotational axis which is substantially horizontal in normal use.

In some embodiments, the frame 11 includes a number of arms 111 and each arm 111 may carry one or more of the drive elements 13. The frame 11 may include a main structure 112 which may be located generally centrally within the autonomous vehicle 1 in some embodiments. The frame 11 may include one or more legs 113 which are configured to support the main structure 112 with respect to a ground surface. In some embodiments, the one or more legs 113 may not be provided and the one or more arms 111 with their drive elements 13 may provide this support (e.g., in autonomous vehicles 1 which are configured to move over the ground surface with a drive element 13 in the form of a wheel).

In some embodiments, the drive system 12 is mounted primarily on the central structure 112 and mechanical power may be transmitted to the or each drive element 13 using a mechanical transmission (as described herein).

The drive system 12 is coupled to a power source 14 of the autonomous vehicle 1. In the case of a drive system 12 including one or more motors 121 (i.e., electrical motors), the power source 14 may include a battery, for example, or another form of electrical power storage device. In the case in which the drive system 12 includes one or more engines 122 (e.g., internal combustion engines), then the power source 14 may include a tank of fuel (which may be a hydrocarbon fuel such as gasoline or natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas or the like). The power source 14 may, in some embodiments, include a power generator (such as a fuel cell or solar panel or the like) which is configured to generate electrical power rather than to store electrical power.

As will be appreciated, therefore, the flow of electrical power and/or fuel to the or each motor 121 and/or engine 122 may be controlled by the drive system 12. Accordingly, the drive system 12 can be controlled to alter one or more operational characteristics of the or each motor or engine 121,122—such as the speed at which the motor and/or engine 121,122 drives the associated drive element 13. Likewise, the drive system 12 may control the operation of one or more other actuators as described herein.

The power source 14 may be mounted on the frame 11 (e.g., the central structure 112 thereof).

The drive system 12 is communicatively coupled to a flight control system 15 of the autonomous vehicle 1. The flight control system 15 is configured to control the operation of the drive system 12 in order to control one or more aspects of the operation (e.g., movement) of the autonomous vehicle 1. Whilst this is labelled as a flight control system 15 it will be appreciated that this label is primarily assigned with aircraft in mind. For embodiments in which the autonomous vehicle 1 is not an aircraft, then a different label may be applied to the flight control system 15—for example, a “drive control system” (which should be construed as encompassing the flight control system 15).

The flight control system 15 may take the form of a suitably programmed flight control computer (again, this label may be changed to drive control computer in embodiments in which the autonomous vehicle 1 is not an aircraft).

The flight control system 15 may be mounted on the frame 11 (e.g., the central structure 112 thereof).

As mentioned above, the flight control system 15 is configured to control the operation of the drive system 12 and, with this in mind, the flight control system 15 is communicatively coupled to a navigation system 16 of the autonomous vehicle 1. The navigation system 16 is configured to provide instructions to the flight control system 15 for controlling movement of the autonomous vehicle 1 in accordance with a navigational plan (i.e., a flight plan defining a flight path) stored in and/or generated by the navigation system 16. In some embodiments, the flight control system 15 is configured to control the operation of the drive system 12 to control the orientation and/or position of the autonomous vehicle 1. In some embodiments, in which the autonomous vehicle 1 is capable of movement in one or more of an up-down degree of freedom, a left-right degree of freedom, a forward-backward degree of freedom, a pitch degree of freedom, a yaw degree of freedom, and a roll degree of freedom, the flight control system 15 is configured to control movement in that or those degree(s) of freedom of movement.

In other words, the flight control system 15 is primarily concerned with controlling the autonomous vehicle 1 to achieve movements which are specified by the navigation system 16. The navigation system 16 determines where the autonomous vehicle should travel and the flight control system 15 is configured to control the autonomous vehicle 1 to move in the desired manner based on the instruction from the navigation system 16.

The navigation system 16 may take the form of a suitably programmed navigation computer and this computer might be the same computer as the flight control computer—the computer running suitable programs such that the computer performs both roles.

In some embodiments, the navigation system 16 may be mounted on the frame 11 (e.g., the central structure 112 thereof). However, in some embodiments, the navigation system 16 may be remote from the autonomous vehicle 1—in other words, the navigation system 16 may be communicatively coupled to the flight control system 15 (i.e., to the autonomous vehicle 1) but may not travel with the autonomous vehicle 1. In some embodiments, the navigation system 16 is a distributed system such that some parts of the system are carried by the autonomous vehicle 1 and other parts are remotely located with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1.

The autonomous vehicle 1 includes a sensor system 17. The sensor system 17 is configured to sense one or more aspects of the environment of the autonomous vehicle 1 and to provide these one or more sensed aspects to the navigation system 16 and/or the flight control system 15 to allow those systems 15/16 to perform their respective functions.

The sensor system 17 may, therefore, include one more sensors 171 each of which is configured to sense a different aspect of the environment of the autonomous vehicle 1. These one or more sensors 171 may be referred to as a sensor suite of the autonomous vehicle 1. The one or more sensors 171 may include, for example, one or more: accelerometers, gyroscopic sensors, magnetometers, radio navigation systems (such as a satellite-based radio navigation system (e.g., using the Global Positioning Satellite system, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, IRNSS, or QZSS)), and/or the like.

The one or more sensors 171 generate sensor outputs which are passed to the flight control system 15 and/or the navigation system 16. These systems 15/16 use the sensor outputs in order to control one or more aspects of the operation of the autonomous vehicle 1 based at least in part on the sensor outputs.

The sensor system 17 may be mounted on the frame 11 (e.g., the central structure 112 thereof in some embodiments). In some embodiments, however, the one or more sensors 171 of the sensor system 17 may be otherwise located on or around the autonomous vehicle 1.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more sensors 171 is at least partially located remotely from the autonomous vehicle 1 (i.e., is not carried for movement with the autonomous vehicle 1). For example, the one or more sensors 171 may include a differential radio navigation system (such as a differential GPS system). In such embodiments, the one or more sensors 171 may include a radio navigation system sensor which is carried by the autonomous vehicle 1 and which is communicatively coupled (e.g., via a wireless communication channel—see the communication system 18) to a base station 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 5 , for example) which is configured to generate a differential signal. The radio navigation system sensor may use the differential signal to correct a locally determined location generated by the radio navigation system sensor (wherein “locally” in this instance means determined by the radio navigation system sensor carried by the autonomous vehicle 1). In such examples, the sensor 171 may be viewed as a distributed sensor (such that the at least part of the base station 2 forms part of that sensor) or as a sensor 171 which receives a sensor output from another sensor to generate a modified or corrected sensor output. In some embodiments, the sensor may use real time kinematic positioning.

The sensor system 17 may include a ranging sensor as one of the one or more sensors 171. The ranging sensor is configured to determine a range (i.e., a distance) of another object from the ranging sensor (and so from the autonomous vehicle 1 to which the ranging sensor is mounted). The range may be output as sensor data, for example. The ranging sensor may include, for example, a light detection and ranging sensor (i.e., a LiDAR sensor). The ranging sensor may include, for example, a sound navigation and ranging sensor (i.e., a sonar sensor or other acoustic sensor, such as an ultrasound ranging sensor). The ranging sensor may include, for example, a radio detection and ranging sensor (i.e., a radar sensor). The ranging sensor may include, for example, a range imaging sensor (which may use, for example, stereoscopic images (e.g., of the visible light) to determine range). The ranging sensor may include a 1-D ranging sensor and/or a 2-D ranging sensor and/or a 3-D ranging sensor.

The autonomous vehicle 1 may include an inspection system 19 which is configured to inspect another object or volume (i.e., an object other than the autonomous vehicle 1). The inspection system 19 may be configured to output inspection data which is indicative of one or more characteristics of the other object. The inspection system 19, therefore, includes one or more inspection sensors 191. In some embodiments, the inspection system 19 includes a camera 191 a (as an inspection sensor 191) which is configured to capture one or more images of the other object. The camera 191 a may be configured to capture light in the visible light spectrum but additionally or alternatively may be configured to capture infrared and/or ultraviolent light images of the object. As will be appreciated, therefore, the camera 191 a may comprise more than one camera sub-system—e.g., with each camera sub-system configured to capture an image in a different spectrum or from a different position relative to at least one other camera sub-system (e.g., to obtain a stereoscopic image).

In some embodiments, the camera 191 a or camera sub-system may be configured to capture an image of a particular polarization of light (which may be particularly useful for inspecting some other objects 5 or volumes).

In some embodiments, the inspection system 19 includes one or more sensors 191 which are not a camera 191 a. For example, the inspection system 19 may include an air quality sensor 191 b which may be configured to detect one or more contaminants in the air (e.g., particulate matter). The inspection system 19 may include a radiation sensor 191 c which may be configured to detect one or more contaminants in the air (e.g., particulate matter). The inspection system 19 may include an acoustic sensor as one of the one or more inspection sensors 191 which may be, for example, an ultrasound sensor. The one or more inspection sensors 19 may include a non-destructive testing sensor which may be an ultrasonic non-destructive testing sensor.

In some embodiments, the inspection system 19 may include a projector which is configured to emit (or project) a signal towards the object 5. The signal may be an acoustic or electromagnetic signal (e.g., light), for example. The inspection system 19 may include, in such embodiments, a receiver which is configured to receive at least part of the emitted signal—e.g., after reflection from the object 5. One or more characteristics of the object 5 may be determined by the inspection system 19 using the emitted signal and a received portion of the emitted signal (e.g., after reflection from the object 5). The projector may be configured to project structured light and the inspection system 19 may include a so-called structured light sensor system or structured-light 3D scanner.

The or each inspection sensor 191 may be mounted with respect to the frame 11 of the autonomous vehicle 1 using a respective mounting device 193. In some embodiments, there may be multiple inspection sensors 191 mounted with respect to the frame 11 by the same mounting device 193.

The mounting device 193 (or devices 193) used to secure the or each inspection sensor 191 may take a number of different forms. In some embodiments, the mounting device 193 is configured to provide a fixed positional arrangement with respect to the frame 11. As such, the mounting device 193 may include, for example, a substantially rigid bracket configured to be attached to the frame 11 (directly or indirectly) and to at least one of the one or more inspection sensors 191. The mounting device 193 may include an armature which is configured to move with respect to at least part of the frame 11 so that the position of the inspection sensor 191 is moveable with respect to the frame 11—this movement may be driven by an actuator under the control of an inspection system computer 192. In some embodiments, the mounting device 193 is configured to provide a substantially fixed orientation between the inspection sensor 191 and one or more other objects (such as the other object 5). In such embodiments, the mounting device 193 may include a gimbal mechanism which may have one to three degrees of freedom of movement. The provision of a mounting device 193 in the form of a gimbal mechanism may be used in relation to an inspection sensor 191 which includes the camera 191 a—to assist with stabilizing the camera 191 a in order to improve the quality of an image captured by the camera 191 a.

The inspection system 19 may include the inspection system computer 192 (which may be the same computer as the navigation computer and/or the flight control computer—the computer running suitable programs such that the computer performs all of these roles). The inspection system computer 192 may be configured to control one or more aspects of the operation of the or each inspection sensor 191—for example, when an image is to be captured by the camera 191 a or a sample taken by the air quality sensor 191 b or radiation sensor 191 c, and/or one or more parameters of the operation of the or each inspection sensor 191 (such as, in relation to the camera 191 a, focus, shutter speed, aperture size, and the like).

In some embodiments, the inspection system computer 192 may be configured to receive the inspection data from the or each inspection sensor 191 and may store that inspection data for subsequent transmission or release. The inspection system computer 192 may be configured to determine when and how the inspection data is to be handled (e.g., transmitted or deleted). The inspection system computer 192 may, therefore, include a storage medium 192 a which is configured to store the inspection data.

The inspection system 19 may be mounted on the frame 11 (e.g., the central structure 112 thereof).

In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle 1 may include a visual guidance system 20 which is configured to capture one or more images for use by an operator to assist in operating and/or controlling the autonomous vehicle 1—see herein elsewhere. The visual guidance system 20 is configured, therefore, to capture an image (e.g., using a camera of the visual guidance system 20) and to generate guidance data which represents that image (e.g., such that at least part of the image can be reconstructed based on the guidance data).

The visual guidance system 20 may be mounted on the frame 11 (e.g., the central structure 112 thereof) or may be mounted on one of the arms 111 if provided.

The autonomous vehicle 1 may include a communication system 18. The communication system 18 may be communicatively coupled to one or more of the drive system 12, the power source 14, the flight control system 15, the navigation system 16, the sensor system 17, the inspection system 19, and the visual guidance system 20. In particular, the communication system 18 may be communicatively coupled to one or more of the flight control computer, the navigation computer, and the inspection system computer 192 (which may be the same computer, suitably programmed).

The communication system 18 is configured to transmit data from the autonomous vehicle 1 to a remote location (i.e., an element which is not carried by the autonomous vehicle 1). The communication system 18 is also configured to receive data from a remote location for use by the autonomous vehicle 1.

An example of data which may be received by the communication system 18 includes the differential signal—as described herein. Other data which may be received by the communication system 18 include one or more of: other sensor data (i.e. data from one or more sensors which are located remotely from the autonomous vehicle 1 (e.g. in the base station 2)), control information (such as flight control information for use by the flight control system 15 in the control of the operation of the drive system 12 (which may be direct flight control information such that the navigation system 16 is effectively circumvented), and navigation information (for use by the navigation system 16).

The communication system 18 may include one or more communication interfaces 181 and each communication interface 181 may be configured to transmit and/or receive data using a different communication channel and/or protocol.

One or more of the communication interfaces 181 may include a wireless communication interface (such as a radio frequency communication interface). The one or more communication interfaces 181 may include a wireless long range communication interface and a wireless short range communication interface. The wireless short range communication interface may be configured to send and/or receive data over a relatively short range and may be used for control and/or navigation information, for example (which may include the guidance data). The wireless long range communication interface may be configured to send and/or received data over a relatively longer range and may be used for less time critical data—such as a general telemetry information, or inspection data (as is described elsewhere).

In some embodiments, therefore, the one or more communication interfaces 181 may include a plurality of wireless communication interfaces. The one or more communication interfaces 181 may include one or more of a WiFi communication interface (or other communication interface operating at around 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 5 GHz, and/or 60 GHz), a communication interface operating at around 433 MHz, 915 MHz, and/or 2400 MHz, and/or a communication interface operating at around 315 MHz and/or 868 MHz, and/or a cellular communication network interface (which may use a broadband cellular telephone network communication system).

The communication system 18 may be mounted on the frame 11 (e.g., the central structure 112 thereof) or may be mounted on one of the arms 111 if provided.

The power source 14 may be configured to provide electrical power to one or more of the communication system 18, the drive system 12, the flight control system 15, the navigation system 16, the sensor system 17, the inspection system 19, and the visual guidance system 20.

The base station 2—see FIG. 3 , for example—may be configured to communicate with the autonomous vehicle 1 (and vice versa) via the communication system 18 of the autonomous vehicle 1. In some embodiments, the base station 2 is not provided. In some embodiments, the base station 2 is a unit which is configured to be placed generally within an operating area of the autonomous vehicle 1 (but which may be removed and transported to a different operating area for the autonomous vehicle 1 if required). In some instances, the base station 2 is a unit which has a substantially fixed geographical location and cannot readily be removed and transported to a new location. In some instances, the base station 2 is or includes a mobile computing device such as a mobile telephone, laptop, or tablet computer.

The base station 2 may include a base station communication system 21 which is configured to be communicatively coupled to the communication system 18 of the autonomous vehicle 1. The base station communication system 21 may include one or more communication interfaces 211 and each communication interface 211 may be configured to transmit and/or receive data using a different communication channel and/or protocol.

One or more of the communication interfaces 211 may include a wireless communication interface (such as a radio frequency communication interface). The one or more communication interfaces 211 may include a wireless long range communication interface and a wireless short range communication interface. The wireless short range communication interface may be configured to send and/or receive data over a relatively short range and may be used for communication with the autonomous vehicle 1 for example. The wireless long range communication interface may be configured to send and/or received data over a relatively longer range and may be used for connection to a remote server 3 and/or the Internet.

In some embodiments, therefore, the one or more communication interfaces 211 may include a plurality of wireless communication interfaces. The one or more communication interfaces 211 may include one or more of a WiFi communication interface (or other communication interface operating at around 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 5 GHz, and/or 60 GHz), a communication interface operating at around 433 MHz, 915 MHz, and/or 2400 MHz, and/or a communication interface operating at around 315 MHz and/or 868 MHz, and/or a cellular communication network interface (which may use a broadband cellular telephone network communication system).

The base station 2 may include a base station computer 22 which is programmed to perform one or more tasks as described herein. The base station computer 22 may be communicatively coupled to the base station communication system 21 to effect the communication of data to and from the base station 2 and, in particular, the base station computer 22.

The base station computer 22 may include a storage medium 221, the role of which is described herein.

The base station 2 may include a position sensor system 23 which includes at least one position sensor 231 which is configured to determine a geographical location of the base station 2. The at least one position sensor 231 may include a radio navigation system sensor (such as a satellite-based radio navigation system sensor (e.g., using the Global Positioning Satellite system, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, IRNSS, or QZSS).

The position sensor system 23 may be communicatively coupled to the base station computer 22 and/or to the base station communication system 21. The position sensor system 23 may, therefore, be configured to send base station position data to the base station computer 22 and/or to the base station communication system 21 for transmittal onwards to one or more other devices (such as the autonomous vehicle 1 and/or the remote server 3).

In some embodiments, the base station 2 (e.g., using the position sensor system 23) may be configured to determine a differential signal which is output as at least part of the base station position data (e.g., for use by the autonomous vehicle 1 as described herein).

The base station 2 may include a base station power source 24. In some embodiments, the base station power source 24 may be a source of electrical power and the base station power source 24 may be coupled to one or more of the base station communication system 21, the base station computer 22, and the position sensor system 23, to provide electrical power thereto.

In some embodiments, the base station power source 24 includes one or more of a battery, a connection to a mains electrical power supply, an electrical generator (which may include an internal combustion engine), and an alternator of a vehicle (such as a support vehicle used to transport the autonomous vehicle 1 to the operating area).

A combination of the autonomous vehicle 1 and the base station 2 may be referred to as an autonomous vehicle system 100 (see FIG. 5 , for example), for example. As described elsewhere, however, the base station 2 need not be provided in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle system 100 may include an operator interface device 4 (see FIG. 4 , for example). In such embodiments, the autonomous vehicle system 100 may not include the base station 2—such that the autonomous vehicle system 100 includes the autonomous vehicle system 100 and the operator interface device 4. In some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle system 100 includes the autonomous vehicle 1, the base station 2, and the operator interface device 4. In some embodiments the autonomous vehicle system 100 may include the remote server 3 too.

In some embodiments, the operator interface device 4 includes a computing device 41 which is programmed to provide an operator with an interface 42 using which the operator can control one or more aspects of the operation of the autonomous vehicle 1.

The computing device 41 may be a mobile computing device such as a mobile telephone, a tablet, or a laptop. As such the computing device 41 may include a power source 43 such as a battery.

The operator interface device 4 includes an interface device communication system 44 which is configured to communicate with the base station 2 (e.g., with the base station communication system 21) and/or the autonomous vehicle 1 (e.g., the communication system 18 thereof). Accordingly, the interface device communication system 44 may be a wired or wireless communication system which may be configured to use a communication interface corresponding with one of the communication interfaces 181,211 described herein. In some embodiments, the interface device communication system 44 includes a plurality of such communication interfaces and uses different such interfaces to communicate with the base station 2 and the autonomous vehicle 1.

In some embodiments, the base station 2 and the operator interface device 4 are one and the same device 2,4.

The autonomous vehicle 1 (and the autonomous vehicle system 100) may be configured to inspect another object or volume 5. That other object or volume 5 may be, for example, one or more of a wind turbine, photovoltaic cells, aircraft external structures (such as wings, undercarriage, engines, tail, and fuselage), a construction site, a high-rise building, a boat, a dam, a bridge, a power line, a pipeline, a sea wall, a harbor wall, flood defenses, a railway line, a harbor (for air quality), a city (for air quality), a building, a tank, a nuclear reactor or associated parts of a nuclear power facility, a pile, a cable (undersee or overhead), and the like.

As will be appreciated, the one or more inspection sensors 191 which are provided as part of the autonomous vehicle 1 may be selected in accordance with the nature of the inspection task to be undertaken by the autonomous vehicle 1.

Embodiments are described with specific reference to the inspection of a wind turbine as the other object 5 (i.e., the subject of the inspection task); however, it will be appreciated that this description applies equally to the inspection of other objections and volumes, such as those mentioned herein.

As will be apparent, the various components of the autonomous vehicle systems 100 described herein communicate with each other using their respective communication systems 18,21,44. These communications may be over any of the wired or wireless communications channels described in relation to these systems 18,21,44, for example.

In some embodiments, the base station 2, if provided, may act as a relay station between the operator interface device 4 and the autonomous vehicle 1 such that communications between the operator interface device 4 and the autonomous vehicle 1 are channeled through the base station 2—which may act as a signal repeater and/or may receive the communications via one communication channel and relay them through another (different) communications channel.

The use of the base station 2 as a relay for communications may reduce the required transmission power of the communication systems 18,44 of the autonomous vehicle 1 and the operator interface device 4.

In some embodiments, the base station 2 may act as a relay for communications to the remote server 3—such that data sent from the autonomous vehicle 1 and/or the operator interface device 4 for the remote server 3 is first sent to the base station 2 which then re-transmits the data to the remote server 3 (e.g., using a different communication interface, such as the long range communication interface).

The operation of the autonomous vehicle 1, the base station 2, and the operator interface device 4 (and the remote server 3) is controlled by the one or more computer programs which are executed by the flight control computer and/or the navigation computer and/or the inspection system computer and/or the base station computer 22 and/or the computing device 41 and/or the remote server 3. As will be appreciated, the operation of these computers may be combined and/or distributed as desired to achieve the required control. The present description presents one or more arrangements of the computer programs but this is not to be viewed as limiting on the disclosure as a whole.

The flight control computer is configured to execute a flight control program. The flight control program is configured to receive flight control instructions comprising desired movements of the autonomous vehicle 1 within a volume—i.e., the operating area. The flight control program may be configured to receive inputs from the sensor system 17 (e.g., from the one or more sensors 171) which provide the flight control program with sensor data which enables the flight control program to seek to control the autonomous vehicle 1 in accordance with the flight control instructions. The flight control program may not, for example, be configured to determine a desired movement of the autonomous vehicle 1 but, instead, receives the desired movements (in the form of the flight control instructions) and then seeks to achieve those desired movements. The flight control program may, therefore, be configured to control the operation of the drive system 12 to seek to achieve the desired movements and this may include controlling the movement of the or each drive element 13 or other actuator (which may be a form of drive element 13 as described). As will be appreciated, the flight control program may be substantially unique to a particular autonomous vehicle 1 or type of autonomous vehicle 1, as the configurations of such vehicles can vary greatly from one to another.

The computing device 41 of the operator interface device 4 may include an interface 42 through which the operator can generate flight control instructions for transmittal to the flight control program to control the operation of the autonomous vehicle 1 manually. These flight control instructions may be referred to as, for example, the direct flight control information—because they are instructions which have not been generated by the navigation program. This interface 42 may form part of an operator control program which is configured to be executed by the computing device 41 of the operator interface device 4.

Accordingly, the operator interface device 4 may be used for manual control of the autonomous vehicle 1 if the need arises.

The navigation computer is configured to execute a navigation program which is configured to provide the one or more flight control instructions to the flight control program. The navigation computer may also receive inputs from the sensor system 17 (e.g., from the or each sensor 171) and may also receive inputs from the inspection system 19 and/or the visual guidance system 20.

It is the navigation program which determines a flight plan (i.e., a desired flight path) for the autonomous vehicle 1 in normal use, issues the flight control instructions with a view to achieving that flight path, and which monitors adherence to that flight path (and takes corrective action as required).

The navigation program may be communicatively coupled to an initial setup program which is used to provide the navigation program with initial information in order to establish the flight plan.

The initial setup program may be configured, therefore, to receive one or more initial setup parameters for the navigation program. The initial setup program may be configured to be executed by the operator interface device 4 and, in particular, by the computing device 41 thereof. The operator may, therefore, be able to enter one or more of the initial setup parameters using the interface 42 of the operator interface device 4. In some embodiments, one or more of these initial setup parameters may be obtained from the remote server 3—having been previously entered and then stored in the remote server 3 for future use. In some embodiments, the initial setup program may be executed by the base station computer 22 and an interface may be served to the operator interface device 4 by the base station computer 2—to enable inputs from the operator to be received via the operator interface device 4.

More specifically, the initial setup program may receive one or more initial setup parameters which may include one or more of:

-   -   the type of object 5 to be inspected;     -   an approximate location of the object 5 (e.g., within 100 m of         the actual location or within 50 m of the actual location,         and/or with a location error of at least 1 m, or 5 m, or 10 m,         or 20 m, or 30 m);     -   a precise location of the object 5 (e.g., with a location error         of less than 5 m, or 1 m, and in any event with a location error         less than the location error of an approximate location of the         object 5);     -   a model of the object 5;     -   one or more physical characteristics of the object 5;     -   an approximate direction of the object 5 from the autonomous         vehicle 1; and     -   a position of one or more parts of the object 5.

In the example of the object 5 being a wind turbine, the type of object 5 may be an indication that the object is a wind turbine. Such information may be required if the initial setup program and/or navigation program are configured for use in inspecting multiple different types of object (or a volume which will be considered another form of object). However, in some embodiments, the initial setup program and/or the navigation program are configured for use in inspecting only wind turbines. Therefore, this information may already be provided within the initial setup program and/or the navigation program.

An approximate location of the object 5 may include an approximate longitude and latitude of the object 5—in other words an approximate geographic location. This information may be useful in determining an initial flight path of the autonomous vehicle 1 and/or for recording the inspection data against the location for future reference.

Similarly, the precise location of the object 5 may be a more precise geographical location of the object 5. This information may not be available for all objects 5 and it may be that the approximate geographical location can be provided but the precise location cannot. Again, this information may be used in much the same manner as the approximate location information above.

A model of the object 5 may, in the case of a wind turbine, be the model (e.g., type as opposed to a representation) of the wind turbine and may include a manufacturer. Whilst there will be some variation between specific instances of a particular model of an object, such as a wind turbine, all models will likely share certain characteristics. Therefore, this information may be used in order to lookup—e.g., using a database of the initial setup program or the navigation program or obtained from the remote server 3—one or more characteristics of the object 5. Such characteristics may include, in the case of a wind turbine as an example, a height of the tower, a size of the nacelle, a size of the hub, a size of the blades, a number of blades, and the like. Again, this information is useful for determining the initial flight path and for recording against a record for the inspection.

One or more physical characteristics of the object 5 may include the same types of information which may be obtained by using the model of the object 5 and so may be manually entered if known, for example.

An approximate direction of the object 5 from the autonomous vehicle 1 may be, for example, that the object 5 is to the north/south/east/west of the autonomous vehicle 1. As will be apparent from the present description, as part of the initial flight path the autonomous vehicle 1 moves to confirm the location of the object 5. An approximate direction of the object 5 from the autonomous vehicle 5 at the start of the flight of the autonomous vehicle 1 will help to ensure that the autonomous vehicle finds the object 5 relatively quickly and successfully (and/or that the correct object 5 is found—which may be a particular issue in relation to operation of the autonomous vehicle 1 in close proximity to many similar objects 5 (such as on a wind farm)).

A position of one or more parts of the object 5 may be, for example, the position of one or more blades of a wind turbine with respect to the tower of the wind turbine. Again, this may assist in the planning of the initial flight path.

In some embodiments, the initial setup program is configured to present to an operator a map or aerial photograph, via the operator interface device 4 (e.g., the interface 42). The initial setup program may be able to receive a user input (via the interface 42) of the current location of the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the object 5 (which may be shown in the map or aerial photograph). The initial setup program may be configured to use this information to determine, for example, the approximate location of the autonomous vehicle 1 and/or the approximate direction of the object 5 from the autonomous vehicle 1.

The initial setup program may otherwise or additionally present the operator—via the operator interface device 4 (e.g., the interface 42)—with a form with one or more associated data entry fields through which any or all of the above information may be entered.

In some embodiments, there may be a specific start location for the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the object 5—such as a launch pad or other marker. The operator may, therefore, locate the autonomous vehicle 1 at the specific start location and then use the operator interface device 4 to provide an indication to the initial setup program that the autonomous vehicle 1 is at the specific start location for inspecting that object 5.

In some embodiments, the operator may orient the autonomous vehicle 1 such that the orientation of the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the object 5 is predetermined—thus, providing the approximate direction of the object 5 with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1. The autonomous vehicle 1 may be provided with a visual indicator in this respect for the operator to align with the object 5.

In some embodiments, the operator may be required to position the autonomous vehicle 1 at a predetermined orientation with respect to the object 5. In the case of a wind turbine, for example, this may be oriented such that the autonomous vehicle is in front of the hub and blades (with respect to the tower). This may assist in providing the initial setup program and/or navigation program with information about the position of parts of the object 5 with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1.

With some or all of this initial data provided to the initial setup program, the initial setup program may pass this data to the navigation program. In some instances, the navigation program is executed substantially entirely by the navigation computer (which may be mounted on the frame 11 of the autonomous vehicle 1); however, in some embodiments at least part of that navigation program is executed by the operator interface device 4 and/or the base station computer 22.

The navigation program may also receive one or more inputs from the sensor system 17 of the autonomous vehicle 1—e.g., sensor data from the one or more sensors 171. This sensor data may include, for example, location information determined by the one or more sensors 171 for the geographical location of the autonomous vehicle 1 and/or its orientation (e.g., with respect to the earth's magnetic field using a sensor 171 in the form of a magnetometer).

The navigation program uses some or all of the data provided by the initial setup program (and/or predetermined information as a result of defined requirements for the operator to locate the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the object 5, as discussed above) to determine an approximate location of the object 5 from the autonomous vehicle 1 and to plan an initial flight path.

The navigation program may be configured to generate a visual representation of the approximate location and configuration of the object 5 and the autonomous vehicle 1 along with a visual representation of the initial flight path with respect thereto. This may be output to the operator interface device 4 for the operator to view and confirm.

The initial flight path may be defined within a frame of reference of the navigation system which may be aligned with a global frame of reference using, for example, geographical location information from the one or more sensors 171 (which may be refined using the base station location data, for example).

The initial flight plan is a flight plan which moves the autonomous vehicle 1 to one or more inspection locations at which the inspection system 19 of the autonomous vehicle 1 may be used to perform an inspection of the object 5. This may include, for example, capturing an image of at least part of the object 5 using the camera 191 a and/or using one or more of the other inspection sensors 191 if provided.

The inspection locations are, therefore, locations which the autonomous vehicle 1 must reach. Moving between these locations, however, exposes the autonomous vehicle to many potential hazards, for example. A primary hazard is the risk of impacting the object 5. Therefore, there is need to define a safe flight path between the inspection location(s) and/or start and end locations (at which the autonomous vehicle 1 starts and ends its flight).

This may be achieved in some embodiments through the navigation program defining one or more transition locations. The transition locations are locations through which the autonomous vehicle 1 must pass.

The navigation program may also be configured to define a sequence of inspection location(s) and transition location(s) to provide the flight path and plan.

The flight plan may, therefore, comprise a sequence of locations (or “points”) which include the one or more inspection locations (or “points”) and one or more transition locations (or “points”). The sequence also includes a start location (or “point”) and an end location (or “point”). The start and end locations may be one and the same and this may be referred to as a home location—which may be a home location which is specific to that flight in some embodiments, for example.

In some embodiments, a transition location is a location in a plane or on a locus which is defined as a safe plane or locus.

There may be an orientation of the autonomous vehicle 1 and/or the inspection system 19 with respect to the object 5 associated with each inspection location and/or transition location within the flight plan—to ensure that the inspection system 19 is correctly positioned to inspect the object 5.

The autonomous vehicle 1 may, under the instruction from the navigation program, commence a start-up routine which includes one or more of testing the sensor system 17, testing the communication system 18, testing the inspection system 19, and testing the drive system 12. In some embodiments, the navigation program is configured to estimate, for example, the power requirements in order to complete the initial flight path. This may be compared to a power availability of the power source 14 (e.g., a battery charge level) in order to determine whether the flight can be completed with the available power.

The autonomous vehicle 1 may, if the start-up routine completes successful, enter a ready state. The ready state may be indicated to the operator via the operator interface device 4. If the start-up routine fails to complete successful—e.g., because one or more of the tests fails—then the autonomous vehicle 1 may remain in an unready state and this may also be indicated to the operator via the operator interface device 4 (e.g., along with an indication of test which failed).

With the autonomous vehicle 1 in the ready state the operator may trigger operation of the autonomous vehicle 1 in accordance with the initial flight plan via the operator interface device 4—e.g., through the interface 42.

In the example case of an aircraft as the autonomous vehicle 1, commencement of the operation of the operation of the vehicle 1 may include a spin-up cycle (in which the or each drive element 13 is driven up to a required speed by the drive system 12) followed by a take-off sequence (in which the autonomous vehicle 1 takes off).

During movement (i.e., flight in the example) of the autonomous vehicle 1, the navigation program (e.g., operating on the navigation computer of the navigation system 16) provides flight control instructions to the flight control program (which is operating on the flight control computer of the flight control system 15).

As will be appreciated, the navigation program has defined a flight path which is based on a model (i.e., a simplified representation) of the object 5 and the start location of the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the object 5 and the transition and inspection location(s).

However, the start location of the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the object 5 may well be an approximation and, even if relatively accurate, may still be insufficiently accurate for an inspection to occur.

Therefore, the navigation program is configured to re-assess the location of the object 5 with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1 during the flight of the autonomous vehicle 1—i.e., as the vehicle 1 performs its inspection. In other words, the location of the object 5 with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1 is refined during operation of the autonomous vehicle 1.

The re-assessment and refinement of the location of the object 5 with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1 may be such that the flight path must be altered. As will be understood, a basic alteration would be to shift the flight path in space as the relative locations are refined. However, this alone may be insufficient to ensure the safe operation of the autonomous vehicle 1 and that the inspection task is successfully completed.

For example, the refinement of the location of the object 5 with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1 may include the location of part of that object 5 with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1 and that part may be moveable with respect to another part. In the case of a wind turbine, the rotational position of the blades of the turbine with respect to the tower (about an axis of the tower) and/or with respect to the nacelle (about an axis of the nacelle) may be refined such that the actual location is determined to be different compared to the initial information provided by the initial setup program, for example.

Refinements of this type may mean that the flight path, if followed, would now cause the autonomous vehicle 1 to impact a part of the object 5 and/or may mean that the inspection system 19 does not inspect the correct part of the object (e.g., the camera 191 a may take a picture of thin air rather than a wind turbine blade).

Accordingly, the navigation program is configured to redefine the flight plan (to form a re-defined flight plan) during operation of the autonomous vehicle 1—as new information about the relative position of the object 5 and autonomous vehicle 1 is determined.

In addition to redefining of the flight plan due to the approximate initial relative location information provided, such flight plans typically assume ideal operating conditions—in which the autonomous vehicle 1 can and does follow the flight path set out in the plan. However, in practice, the autonomous vehicle 1 is exposed to external forces which are unpredictable and for which compensation is difficult to provide. In the case of an aircraft, this may include the effect of the wind on the autonomous vehicle 1 (but similar issues arise with watercraft due to currents and with ground vehicles due to unstable or slippery surfaces, for example).

If, when exposed to such forces and moved from the desired flight path, the autonomous vehicle 1 attempts to return to the originally desired flight path then this may no longer be an ideal flight path and there may be a better flight path as a result of the unintended movement. Again, identifying new ideal flight path requires the navigation program to redefine the flight plan during operation of the autonomous vehicle 1.

As will be appreciated, redefining the flight plan during operation of the autonomous vehicle 1 is a complex task, which must be performed quickly and accurately to enable safe and efficient operation of the autonomous vehicle 1.

There is a need, therefore, to provide better flight planning techniques.

The flight planning implemented by embodiments is based on a model of the object 5 and this model may be refined throughout the operation of the vehicle 1.

An overview of the model refinement which may be implemented by embodiments can be seen in FIG. 12 . This overview is one example and it should be noted (as explained herein that more or few sensors may be used and more or fewer models may be generated). The refined model may then be used in flight planning and each refinement of the model may result in re-processing of the flight plan and revisions thereto during the flight (i.e., during operation of the vehicle 1). This process may be substantially continuous during operation of the vehicle 1 (e.g., during flight).

Looking at FIG. 12 , an initial model (e.g., simplified representation of the object 5) may be determined and this may be performed by the navigation program. This model may be determined based on the initial setup parameters, for example. However, the model could be determined through other methods.

This model is of the object 5 or at least part thereof and may include one or more other objects (or parts thereof)—i.e., other than the object 5 to be inspected. This initial model along with a position for the object 5 relative to the autonomous vehicle 1 (e.g., the inspection system 19) form the preliminary inputs on which the navigation is based. As will be appreciated, the position may be in the form of location information which may form part of the initial model itself.

The navigation program is configured to receive data from the sensor system 17, e.g., from the one or more sensors 171. As shown in FIG. 12 as an example, the data from one sensor 171 may be used independently (such as the data from “Sensor A” in on the left of the figure) or the data from more than one sensor may be combined (such as the data from “Sensor A” and “Sensor B” on the right of the figure).

The data is analyzed by the navigation program to cluster that data into objects and/or partial objects represented by the data received from the sensor system 17.

As will be appreciated, this may include the combining of data from multiple sensors 171 prior to clustering (see, for example, the right side of FIG. 12 ).

The navigation program may then use the identified objects or partial objects from the data retrieved from the sensor system 17 along with the initial model to match the object or partial objects in the data from the sensor system 17 with the initial model or parts thereof. This may include use of location information from the initial model as well as location information generated from the sensor data.

This enables the cross-identification of parts of the initial model with the data retrieved from the sensor system 17.

As will be appreciated, the sensor data retrieved from one sensor 171 or set of sensors 171 combined may be more or less accurate than the sensor data from another sensor 171 or set of sensors 171 for various potential reasons.

Therefore, the navigation program may generate one or more potential revised models, based on the sensor data (which may include location information), the initial model (which may include location information), and the cross-identification results.

The navigation program may be configured to combine two or more potential revised models to derive a merged model which is then used to update the initial model (including new location information).

This process may be repeated such that the updated initial model is then itself updated (e.g., becomes the initial model which is indicated at the top of FIG. 12 ). This may be an iterative progress.

Along with updating of the model, the navigation program may also be configured to determine and update a flight plan, including a flight path. Each time the model is updated, the flight plan must also be checked and updated if required—in light of the new model. Again, this may be an iterative process.

This general process performed by the navigation program is discussed in more detail below. At least an initial flight plan may be determined using the initial model. Therefore, the discussion below begins with a discussion of the model followed by how the flight plan may be determined. There is then a discussion about how the model may be updated (see the mapping and localization processes).

As mentioned above, the navigation program uses an initial model of the object 5 or parts thereof.

The model may comprise a collection of geometric shapes or objects which provide a simplified representation of the object 5.

In the example of a wind turbine as the other object 5 (and also in relation to other objects 5), the model may comprise one or more cylinders. For example, the tower of the wind turbine may be represented by one cylinder, the nacelle may be represented by another, and each of three blades may each be represented by a respective cylinder.

In some embodiments, the or each geometric shape may be a convex solid that may be sampled by a set of convex polygons stacked parallel along one of its dimensions. In some embodiments, the stack may not be a parallel stack such that adjacent sides of two polygons are angled with respect to each other—which may be particularly useful in relation to modelling of curved objects 5 or parts thereof, for example. Each convex polygon may form a slab with a thickness and the thickness of each slab may (or may not) be the same as each other. In some embodiments, the subtended angle between any three adjacent points (i.e., corners) of the or each polygon may be <180 degs.

The model may, therefore, include one or more convex shapes which may encompass the object 5. The model may, however, use one or more other shapes to encompass the object 5 (in addition to or instead of convex shapes).

Indeed, in some embodiments, the model could include a point cloud, with the points representing surface locations on the object 5. However, in some embodiments, the model is formed of only convex shapes. In some embodiments, the or each convex shape is a three dimensional convex shape. In some embodiments, the model may include one or more meshes of two dimensional shapes—such as a triangular or square or rectangular mesh of shapes forming the model.

The model may be formed by one or more shapes which are such that an inspection target may be defined on an edge of the or each shape and an inspection location identified by a projection therefrom onto the inspection target—a convex shape being one example thereof.

The navigation program may be configured to determine the model or may be provided with the model (e.g., from the remote server 3). The model represents or describes the object 5.

The model is a representation of the object 5 (or a part thereof) and may have a nominal form dependent on the type of object 5 (e.g., a wind turbine may be represented in the model by shapes for the tower, nacelle, and each blade).

The model may be provided to the navigation program as an unparameterized nominal model—i.e., a relatively generic representation of the object 5. The model may, therefore, include one or more configurable parameters.

These one or more configurable parameters may place the nominal model relative to the autonomous vehicle 1 (e.g., to the inspection system 19) and/or the position from which the autonomous vehicle 1 will be launched. The one or more configurable parameters may include a height associated with at least part of the object 5—such as a height of the nacelle of a wind turbine—relative to the autonomous vehicle 1 (e.g., to the inspection system 19) and/or the position from which the autonomous vehicle 1 will be launched. The one or more configurable parameters may include at least one relative position of a part of the object 5 with respect to another part—such as the location of a blade of the wind turbine (this may be a position relative to the tower for example). The at least one relative position may include the heading of the wind turbine and this may be relative to, for example, North. The at least one relative position may include the position of the nacelle or blade center relative to the tower—alternatively, this may be a separate parameter relative to the autonomous vehicle 1 (e.g., to the inspection system 19) and/or the position from which the autonomous vehicle 1 will be launched.

The model may be parameterized (i.e., completed by the determining the parameters associated with the model) by the initial setup program in the first instance, in some embodiments. Alternatively, the initial setup program may provide information regarding the object 5 which is then used by the navigation program to parameterize the model.

In order to determine an initial flight plan, the navigation program may take into account the operational characteristics of the inspection system 19.

The navigation program may be configured to receive, or may be pre-programmed with, information regarding the operational characteristics of the inspection system 19 (e.g., the or each inspection sensor 191). In some embodiments, the inspection system 19 is configured to provide the navigation program with this information (e.g., the inspection system computer 192). In some embodiments, the navigation program may obtain the information from the remote server 3 or may already have the information as part of the navigation program.

The operational characteristics of the inspection system 19 may include, for example, one or more of:

-   -   a maximum distance the inspection system 19 can be from the         object 5 for an accurate inspection (e.g., at a desired minimum         resolution),     -   a minimum distance the inspection system 19 can be from the         object 5 for an accurate inspection,     -   a field of view of the inspection system 19 (which may be linked         to a distance between the inspection system 19 and the object         5),     -   a resolution of the inspection system 19,     -   a variation in resolution of the inspection system 19 with         respect to an angle between the inspection system 19 and the         inspection target taking into account any curvature of the         object 5 at the inspection target (which may influence,         therefore, an effective field of view of the inspection system         19),     -   a minimum setup time for an inspection operation (i.e., a         minimum time at which the inspection system 19 has to be at the         inspection location before an inspection operation can occur),     -   a minimum inspection operation time (i.e., a minimum time at         which the inspection system 19 has to be at the inspection         location for an inspection operation to occur),     -   a range of movements (e.g., changes in orientation) of the field         of view (or effective field of view) of the inspection system 19         with respect to the vehicle 1 (in some embodiments, the or each         inspection sensor 191 may have constrained changes in         orientation with respect to the vehicle 1), and     -   a minimum unset time (i.e., a minimum amount of time for the         inspection system 19 to adopt a mode of operation suitable for         movement of the autonomous vehicle 1—which may include covering         an inspection sensor 191 for example (e.g., to avoid         contamination during the flight) and this may only apply to some         inspections).

The field of view (or effective field of view) of the inspection system 19 may include an area or volume which can be covered by the inspection system 19 from one inspection location (e.g., at a particular distance from the inspection system 19) and may include a depth range. For example, an inspection sensor 191 may have a field of view (or effective field of view) associated with a particular distance of the inspection sensor 191 from the object 5 but that field of view may encompass variations in that distance (i.e., depth) within a predetermined range. One example would be a camera 191 a, which can be focused to a particular distance but parts of the object 5 which are at that distance or within a given range of variation of that distance (i.e., depth variation) from the camera 191 a will also be in sufficient focus for the inspection operation.

These operational characteristics may be provided for the inspection system 19 as a whole or in relation to the or each respective inspection sensor 191.

In order to determine an initial flight plan, the navigation program may take into account the operational characteristics of the vehicle 1 (in addition to or instead of the operational characteristics of the inspection system 19).

The navigation program may be configured to receive, or may be pre-programmed with, information regarding the operational characteristics of the vehicle 1. In some embodiments, the fight control system 15 is configured to provide the navigation program with this information. In some embodiments, the navigation program may obtain the information from the remote server 3 or may already have the information as part of the navigation program.

The operational characteristics of the vehicle 1 may include, for example, one or more of:

-   -   possible degrees of freedom of movement of the vehicle 1;     -   one or more costs associated with one or more movements of the         vehicle 1;     -   a maximum altitude of the vehicle 1 (or other maximum range of         the vehicle 1); and     -   a power capacity of the vehicle 1.

The navigation program may be configured to determine one or more inspection targets relative to the model (i.e., representation) of the object 5 using one or more of the operational characteristics of the inspection system 19—see FIG. 6 , for example, which shows a collection of inspection targets—and/or one or more operational characteristics of the vehicle 1.

An inspection target may be a point which is on a surface of the model which is to be the target of an inspection operation by the inspection system 19 of the autonomous vehicle 1.

The or each inspection target may be based at least in part on, for example, one or more of: the initial setup parameters, an aim to inspect substantially an entire surface of the object 5 or a part of the object 5 (such as the blades of a wind turbine), operator defined inspection targets (e.g. identified by the operator using the operator interface 42 which may display a graphical representation of the model), and one or more previous inspections of the object 5 (such information may be provided by the remote server 3, for example).

The or each inspection target may be determined using the one or more operational characteristics of the inspection system 19 so as, for example, to ensure the desired coverage of the inspection (e.g., by virtue of the combination of inspection operations (although there may only be one in some embodiments)). Accordingly, the or each inspection target may be selected to ensure that one or more of the inspection operations have overlapping coverage at one edge, at least. In some embodiments, a desired non-overlapping spacing of inspection targets (i.e., negative overlap or negative distance/spacing) may be required for the inspection operation. This may be the case, for example, in relation to inspection operations comprising spot inspections.

For example, the navigation program may be configured to use the field of view (or effective field of view) characteristic to define a collection of inspection targets such that a predefined portion (which may be all) of the object 5 is covered by the inspection operations with overlaps between the inspection data to allow the inspection data from one inspection operation to be combined with the inspection data of another inspection operation. This may, of course, entail capturing (as the inspection data) a series of images (using the camera 191 a) such that the images can be stitched together to form a larger image. The same technique (i.e., data stitching) may be used with other forms of inspection data.

In some embodiments, the navigation program may be configured to define inspection operations which have a degree of overlap which is dependent, at least in part, on an angle and/or distance of the inspection system 19 (e.g., an inspection sensor 191) with respect to the object 5 within the area of overlap. As will be appreciated, the resolution of the inspection operation 19 may vary depending on this information and so there may be a requirement for greater overlap between inspection operations if each operation has a relatively low resolution in the area of the overlap. The inspection data for overlapping inspection operations may be combined to improve the effective resolution of the inspection data in the overlap area.

The navigation program may be configured to determine one or more inspection locations and may be configured to determine at least one transition location based on the inspection targets and the model (i.e., representation) of the object 5. In other words, the navigation program is configured to determine the flight plan.

The navigation program may be configured to determine multiple different flight plans and may seek to determine an optimal flight plan based on one or more cost functions/operations.

The navigation program may be configured to determine the or each flight plan based at least in part on one or more operational constraints. The or each operational constraint may be predetermined, may be part of the initial setup parameters, may be obtained from the remote server 3, or may be input by an operator (e.g., using the interface 42).

A first example of an operational constraint is a range constraint. The range constraint may determine how close the autonomous vehicle 1 can be, during flight (in accordance with the flight plan) to the object 5. This range constraint, therefore, effectively forms an invisible wall between the autonomous vehicle 1 and the object 5 which is intended to reduce or substantially eliminate the risk of the autonomous vehicle 1 impacting the object 5.

The range constraint could be a minimum distance (or range) from any part of the model of the object 5. As such, the autonomous vehicle 1 may move around the object 5 so long as this minimum range is maintained. This may be referred to as a constant range constraint.

The range constraint could be defined as a plane relative to the object 5 (in other words a virtual plane which is a predetermined distance from the closest part of the model to the autonomous vehicle 1 through which no part of the object 5 extends (and, in some embodiments, from which there is no part of the object 5 which is within a minimum distance)). This may be referred to as a planar range constraint.

In some embodiments, the range constraint is defined as a predetermined range from an inspection target, a plurality of the inspection targets, or all of the inspection targets. This range may define, therefore, a spherical locus to which the vehicle 1 is constrained or is to be constrained. This spherical locus may be within a predetermined range of another inspection target and a range constraint may, therefore, be determined by an amalgamation of a plurality of loci. As will be understood, this locus may intersect the object 5 itself in one or more locations and the navigation program may be configured—using the processes described herein—to discount inspection locations from such parts of the locus.

As will be appreciated, the range constraint may be selected based at least in part on the operational characteristics of the inspection system 19 (at least such that the inspection system 19 is able to perform the inspection operation in relation to the object 5 at the minimum distance to the object 5 determined by the range constraint (or closer)).

In some embodiments, two range constraints may be applied—one on either of two opposing sides of the object 5, for example. As such the navigation program may be configured to define a flight path which moves the autonomous vehicle 1 past at least part of the object 5 from one range constraint to another range constraint. These two range constraints may both be planar range constraints. These two range constraints may effectively provide a first range constraint associated with a first side of an object 5 and a second range constraint associated with a second side of an object 5, wherein the two sides may be opposing sides (e.g., front and back sides of the object 5).

As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the navigation program may seek to maintain a relatively close proximity to the range determined by the range constraint—to seek to ensure an effective inspection operation. Accordingly, which form of range constraint is used may influence the inspection locations relative to the inspection targets. In some embodiments, the or each range constraint may be selected based on one or more aspects of the inspection operation and/or the operational characteristics of the inspection system 19—e.g., to ensure the inspection operation completes successfully.

In some embodiments, the or each range constraint defines an operational zone in which the vehicle 1 is permitted to operate or in which the navigation program is permitted to define the flight path. In some embodiments, this zone is a plane (which may be a curved plane) or locus (e.g., to which the flight path is constrained or is to be constrained by the navigation program).

As will be understood, the predetermined geometrical relationship may be determined using a distance from the inspection location to the inspection target and an angle of incidence (of an inspection axis of the inspection system 19) on the curved surface from the inspection location. These two factors must be balanced against each other by the navigation program. In particular, to improve inspection resolution using a different angle of incidence typically requires the inspection system 19 to be further away from the inspection target along the range constraint plane. The navigation program may seek, therefore, to optimize the loss of resolution due to this increased distance to the inspection target with the increase in resolution due to the improved angle of incidence. The inspection axis may be defined as central axis of the field of view of the inspection system 19 (and inspection sensor(s) 191), extending from the inspection system 19 (and inspection sensor(s) 191) to the inspection target.

There may be other constraints as well which may include minimum ranges to other objects (other than the object 5 being inspected) or other parts of the object 5 being inspected.

The range of the autonomous vehicle 1 to the object 5 (and any other objects in some embodiments) may be determined by the sensor system 17—as will become apparent.

The navigation program may also determine, as part of the generation of the flight plan, an orientation of the inspection system 19 and, in particular, the one or more inspection sensors 191 with respect to the object 5. It may be that at least one of the one or more inspection sensors 191 is not omnidirectional and must be directed (i.e., pointed or positioned or oriented) towards the object 5 and, in particular, the inspection target. This may be the case in relation to a camera 191 a, for example.

Accordingly, the navigation program may associate the or each inspection location with an inspection system orientation (as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 7 ). In some instances, the inspection system 19 (or at least one or more of the inspection sensors 191) may have a fixed orientation with respect to the frame 11 and, therefore, the inspection system orientation may be a required orientation of the autonomous vehicle 5 with respect to the object 5 at that inspection location (e.g., to point the or each inspection sensor 191 towards the inspection target). In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more inspection sensors 191 may be configured to move with respect to the frame 11 to change its relative orientation with respect thereto. In some embodiments, therefore, the inspection system orientation may include (in addition to or instead of an orientation of the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the object 5) an orientation of the or each inspection sensor 191 with respect to the object 5 and/or frame 11—and this may be provided by the navigation program to the inspection system computer 192 for use by the inspection system computer 192 to control a movement of the or each inspection sensor 191 relative to the object 5 and/or frame 11 as the flight plan is executed.

In some embodiments, the navigation program is likewise configured to use other inspection location data (the orientation being one example) which may be used by the inspection system 19 as described herein. That inspection location data may be used, in short, by the inspection system 19 to configure the or each inspection sensor 191 to perform its inspection operation (and may include a distance of the object 5 from the inspection system 19/autonomous vehicle 1 at the inspection location, for example). This enables, for example, the inspection system 19 be optimized in flight in accordance with the flight plan—see below for more details.

The navigation program may be configured to begin to determine the flight plan as, therefore, a point cloud comprising at least one inspection location (and, in some embodiments, at least one transition location). The flight plan will likely also include a start point and an end point (which may be one and the same location, which may be referred to as a home location and which may be the location at which the operator has placed the autonomous vehicle 1).

The navigation program may be configured to perform three operations in relation to the flight plan:

-   -   (i) a location safety assessment;     -   (ii) an effectiveness assessment; and     -   (iii) a movement safety assessment.

In some embodiments, these three operations may be performed in relation to the or each inspection location (and may be performed in relation to one or more transition locations).

In the location safety assessment, the navigation program is configured to determine if a particular location is a safe location for the autonomous vehicle 1 to be. This may include, for example, assessment of the one or more constraints discussed above. In some embodiments, this assessment is based on one or more environmental factors (such as wind speed, wind direction, current speed, current direction, angle of slope on which the autonomous vehicle 1 is located, etc.). In particular, a safe distance from a particular object (be it the object 5 to be inspected or another object) may be smaller in low wind speed conditions (compared to high wind speed conditions) and safe distances may vary depending on the direction of the wind.

If a location (inspection or transition) is found not to pass (i.e., to fail) the location safety assessment, then that location may be deleted or moved (i.e., are rejected) by the navigation program.

In some embodiments, the location safety assessment may include the assigning of a location safety score of a location based on one or more constraints and/or environmental factors—with the location safety score indicating the perceived safety risk of that location.

The effectiveness assessment is performed at least in relation to the or each inspection location. In accordance with this assessment, the navigation program is configured to determine whether the relevant inspection target is likely to be inspectable by the or each inspection sensor 191 of the inspection system 19 from that inspection location (e.g., with a required minimum resolution and without obstruction). In relation to some objects 5, such as a wind turbine for example, the position of one part of the object 5 (e.g., a blade) with respect to another (e.g., a tower) may determine whether a part of that object 5 will be between the inspection target and the inspection location (i.e., block the inspection target). This may be a particular problem for wind turbines with an inspection of a blade which is located adjacent and substantially parallel to the tower (thus limiting access to a portion of the blade closest to the tower).

In order to perform the effectiveness assessment, the navigation program may be configured to project (e.g., using ray tracing) the field of view of the or each inspection sensor 191 onto the object 5 (i.e., the model of the object 5). In some embodiments, the navigation program may be configured to perform this projection onto the surface of the model of the object 5 which is of interest and may exclude one or more (or all) portions of the field of view of the or each inspection sensor 191 which extend beyond this area of interest. This may help to reduce the rejection of otherwise suitable inspection locations due to blocking of an unrequired portion of the field of view of the or each inspection sensor 191, for example. Accordingly, locations which do not pass (i.e., fail) the effectiveness assessment are deleted or moved (i.e., are rejected) by the navigation program. In some embodiments, the effectiveness assessment may include the assigning of an effectiveness score based on the perceived effectiveness of the inspection operation from that inspection location.

The movement safety assessment is performed by the navigation program to determine whether a location (which may be an inspection location but may be a transition location in some embodiments) is safe to move to and away from. This may include assessment of the constraints mentioned above. Again, in some embodiments, the movement safety assessment may include the assigning of a movement safety score based on a perceived safety risk associated with the movement. One or more transition locations may be added to the flight plan as part of the movement safety assessment to ensure that the movement is safe for a given location.

In order to aid in one or more of these three operations, the navigation program may use one or more additional models of the object 5 which may take different forms.

The navigation program may, therefore, be configured to generate a point cloud which includes a plurality of inspection locations and which may include one or more transition locations. The navigation program has not yet, at this stage of some embodiments, sequenced the locations into a flight plan.

As will be understood, from the point cloud of locations (which may be only inspection locations but might include one or more transition locations), a large number of possible flight plans could be determined. Typically, each such flight plan would include additional transitional locations, for example, to define the flight path between the inspection locations.

The point cloud is assessed by the navigation program to select one of the possible multitude of possible flight plans. This process may be referred to as the flight plan selection process.

The flight plan selection process may use one or more of a number of different methods.

The flight plan selection process may include a search for different possible flight paths. This may be performed using a suitable search approach such as a breadth first search, a depth first search, a greedy algorithm, Dijkstra's algorithm, an A* algorithm, and/or any suitable graph search technique. In some embodiments, the flight plan selection process includes an operator selection of one or more portions of the flight path (which may be input using the operator interface device 4).

The flight paths which are determined by the navigation program may, therefore, include one or more transition locations which are determined by the flight plan selection process, and one or more inspection locations (and may include one or more predetermined transition locations).

The different possible flight paths determined by the navigation program using a search approach are then costed based on a cost criterion and ordered according to that cost criterion.

The costing process of the navigation program may be based on one or more possible cost criterion such as distance, time, power consumption (from the power source 14), and the like. In some embodiments, the costing process may order the different possible flight paths based on time (i.e., flight or travel time).

In some embodiments, one or more cost criteria are converted into costs in common different criterion such as power consumption or distance. In some embodiments, for example, one or more non-time related cost criteria are converted into time-based costs for assessment in the costing process. In some embodiments, a distance of the autonomous vehicle 1 to the object 5 may be included in the costing process (including, for example, a predicted speed of the autonomous vehicle 1). In some embodiments, an angular deviation between an angular position of the autonomous vehicle 1 and the angular position of one or more of the inspection sensors 191 may be included in the costing process (including, for example, an angular speed of the autonomous vehicle 1 or mounting device of the inspection system 19). In some embodiments, a time penalty may be applied for transitions between movement to inspect one part of the object 5 with respect to another (e.g., the blades with respect to the tower, and/or a front of the object 5 with respect to a back of the object 5).

The costing process may be configured to select the lowest cost flight path from the different flight paths.

The costing process may take into account the location safety score and/or the effectiveness score and/or the movement safety score—if determined (see above).

The costing process may take into account (particularly for a planar range constraint) the balance between the distance from the inspection target and the angle of incidence—as described above. As will be appreciated, a greater distance from the inspection target may provide a wider effective field of view of the inspection system 19, which may mean fewer inspection operations are required but that each inspection operation may include inspection data of a lower resolution in relation to the inspection target. Therefore, more inspection operations may be needed to provide the required overlap to improve the effective resolution of the inspection data. The navigation program may be configured to use these factors in the costing process.

In some embodiments the navigation program may be further configured to perform a selected flight path safety process. In accordance with this safety process, the navigation program may be configured to confirm the flight path meets one or more safety rules. The or each safety rule may include, for example, a minimum range from the object 5 and/or another object (other than the object 5). The safety process may include analysis of the or each transition location (which may be only those transition points determined by the flight plan selection process, for example).

In accordance with this safety process, the navigation program may use ray tracing techniques to consider the path between sequential locations in the flight path (be they between two transition locations, one transition location and an inspection location, or between two inspection locations, for example). The navigation program may be configured to determine if that flight path (as represented in the ray tracing technique) would intersect the object 5 (or another object) or would pass within the minimum range of the object 5 (or other object) or would pass into a restricted geofence or out of a permitted geofence. If this in the case, then the navigation program may be configured to move one or more transition locations (determined in the flight plan section process, for example), to delete one or more such transition locations, and/or to add one or more additional transition locations—all with a view to reducing the risk of the autonomous vehicle 1 impacting the object 5 (or other object). Any moved transition locations, for example, or otherwise altered flight path may be re-assessed by the navigation program using the assessments mentioned above. In addition, or alternatively, any new flight path may be compared, again, against other flight plans (e.g., using the costing described herein) to determine if it is still to be the selected flight path or if a different path (and, therefore, plan) should be adopted.

The navigation program may be configured to record and store information about the operation of the vehicle 1 during implementation of a flight plan—i.e., as the vehicle 1 moves along the flight path performing inspection operations. This information may be stored as a log, for example, and may be sent to the communication system 18 for transmission and storage remotely from the vehicle 1, for example. This remote storage may be in the base station 2 and/or remote server 3, for example.

In some embodiments, the navigation program may be configured to resume an interrupted flight plan. For example, the navigation program may be configured (e.g., under operator instruction using the operator interface device 4) to select information stored about a partially completed flight plan. The navigation program may be configured to resume this partially completed flight plan and may seek to avoid re-inspection of any inspection locations already the subject of an inspection operation (during the partial completion of the flight plan).

This may enable, for example, a flight plan which is terminated or suspended mid-flight to be completed efficiently. A mid-flight termination or suspension may be due, for example, to power or time constraints or a safety issue being identified.

In some embodiments, the navigation program may be configured to resume the flight plan without recalculation of the flight plan—other than the new portion of the flight plan required to move the vehicle 1 to what will be the starting location of the resumed flight plan.

In other embodiments, the navigation program may be configured to recalculate the flight plan for the inspection targets which were not the subject of inspection operations during the terminated or suspended flight plan. As will be appreciated, the navigation program may be configured to determine new inspection locations and/or a new flight plan as a result and this may take into account a potential change in the object 5—such as movement of one part thereof with respect to another part. Changes in the object may be determined by the navigation program as part of updating the model as discussed herein.

In other words, the navigation program may be configured to generate a new flight plan based at least in part on the stored information about a previous partially implemented flight plan (i.e., a flight plan which a vehicle 1 began to follow but which the vehicle 1 did not complete).

The navigation program may be configured, as described above, (via the safety process and/or the costing process) to determine and select a flight plan. This flight plan may be, however, based initially on relatively rudimentary information about the location of the autonomous vehicle 1 relative to the object 5 and the configuration of the object 5.

In other words, this flight plan is initially based on a model (i.e., a simplified representation) of the object 5 and approximate relative location information for the object 5 and the autonomous vehicle 1.

Therefore, the navigation program may be further configured to receive information from the sensor system 17 from which one or more of the geographic location of the autonomous vehicle 1, the geographic location of the object 5, the relative location of the autonomous vehicle 1 to the object 5, and the configuration of the object 5, may be updated or refined. Using this information, the model of the object 5 used for the flight planning may be altered and this may, in turn, cause the navigation program to revise the flight plan using the processes described herein to regenerate the flight plan or a part thereof.

Accordingly, the navigation program may be configured to perform a mapping process and/or a localization process. The mapping and/or localization processes may be performed during flight (i.e., movement) of the autonomous vehicle 1. As discussed, this may result in a new model—which may be the same nominal model as the initial model but parameterized with one or more updated parameters.

The mapping process may include one or more of determining or refining a configuration of the object 5. The localization process may include determining a relative location of the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the object 5—which may include determining a location of a model of the object 5 determined in the mapping process (which may be a location relative to the vehicle 1 (e.g., relative to the inspection system 19) and may take into account the orientation of the vehicle 1 (e.g., yaw, pitch, and roll)). These processes may be executed during movement of the autonomous vehicle 1 in parallel or in a repeating sequential manner.

In some embodiments, the mapping and/or localization processes may include the steps of receiving sensor data from the sensor system 17 (e.g., from one or more of the sensors 171). This sensor data may include location information and information from, for example, a ranging sensor 171 or camera 171 of the sensor system 17.

The mapping and/or localization processes may include the processing of the received sensor data to cluster or split the data into two or more clusters or portions—i.e., to form clustered sensor data.

The clustered sensor data may then be analyzed as part of the mapping and/or localization process to identify one or more parts of the object 5 represented by each of the clusters or portions in the clustered sensor data.

The mapping process may include the determining of the relative position (which may include a location and/or orientation or other configuration) of one cluster or portion with respect to another. This relative position represents the relative position of the corresponding identified part or parts of the object 5 with respect to each other. Accordingly, the mapping process may determine information about the configuration of the object 5. This may include determining one or more transforms to shift the initial model to match the information about the configuration of the object 5. This may include adjustments to one or more of the parameters of the initial model.

The localization process may include the determining of the relative position (which may include a location and/or orientation or other configuration) of one cluster or portion with respect to the vehicle 1 (e.g., with respect to the inspection system 19). Accordingly, this relative position represents the relative position of the object 5 (or a part thereof) with respect to the vehicle 1 (e.g., with respect to the inspection system 19). The relative position may be determined in terms of a global frame of reference and may be referred to as the object location, for example. This may include determining one or more transforms to shift the initial model to match the information about the relative position of the object 5. This may include adjustments to one or more of the parameters of the initial model.

The object configuration and object location may, therefore, form a model of the object 5. The navigation program may be configured to generate multiple such models using different combinations of sensor data and/or different mapping and/or localization processes.

The navigation program may be configured to use one or more of these models (which are in-flight models) to update the initial model. This may include the combining of multiple in-flight models. The combination of in-flight models may be performed using a number of different methods—such as by taking an average (e.g., mean) of the models, using standard deviations and thresholding, or the like.

The navigation program may be configured to generate an in-flight model to replace the initial model for use in controlling the operation of the vehicle 1. This in-flight model may take into account one or more of the in-flight models which are generated as a result of the mapping and/or localization processes. In some embodiments, therefore, the replacement model may be referred to as the replacement model or the determined in-flight model. In-flight models which are used to generate the replacement model may be referred to as temporary or working in-flight models, for example.

The navigation program may be configured to exclude sensor data from one or more sensors 171 due to, for example, a detected error with the sensor 171 or sensor data which is not within an expected predetermined range or within a specified range of other sensor data. The navigation program may be configured to perform a similar process at the in-flight model level—excluding one or more in-flight models which are generated based on sensor data from a sensor 171 in relation to which an error has been detected, or based on a model which is not within a specified range of another in-flight model or models.

The processes of clustering the sensor data, analyzing the clustered sensor data, and determining according to the mapping and localization processes, may be undertaken in different ways. For example, clusters of sensor data may each be approximated to an appropriate shape which may be a 2D or a 3D shape depending on the form of the sensor data (such as a cylinder, ellipse, circle, or the like)—3D sensor data may be restricted to provide 2D sensor data in some embodiments or 3D sensor data may be used or the sensor data may be provided as 2D sensor data. The approximated shapes may then be analyzed and compared to the initial model. This may include, for example, analyzing a perimeter of the approximated shapes compared to parts of the initial model or may include analyzing centroids of the approximated shapes compared to centroids of parts of the initial model.

In some embodiments, these processes may include the use of linear regression and/or iterative closest point approaches.

In some embodiments, the sensor data is in the form of a point cloud or may be converted to a point cloud for processing according to the mapping and/or localization processes.

In some embodiments, the sensor data may include one or more images, which may be visible light images or infrared or ultraviolet light images. The mapping and/or localization processes may be performed on this sensor data in a similar manner, with parts of the images identified as corresponding to parts of the initial model. This information may then be used as described above in the determining steps of the mapping and/or localization processes. This may result in another in-flight model which may be combined with other models and/or used to modify the initial model for further use by the navigation program.

Turning back to the mapping process, in some embodiments, the mapping process includes the navigation program using information from the sensor system 17 to generate one or more models (herein a real-time or in-flight model) of the object 5. The in-flight model or models may be different from the model which may be used by the navigation program to determine the flight plan initially (and/or may be the same nominal model but with one or more different parameters).

The navigation program may use information received from the sensor system 17 (i.e., the sensor data, which may include range information) which represents the object 5 and the position of the object 5 relative to the vehicle 1 (e.g., relative to the inspection system 19).

The sensor data (which may be combined data from multiple sensors 171 or data from a single sensor 171) may be separated by the navigation program into sensor data relating to different parts of the initial model. This may, as described below or otherwise, include clustering or splitting the sensor data using the initial model to provide spatial constraints.

The mapping process may include clustering or splitting the sensor data into that relating to two or more different parts of the object 5. This may include splitting the sensor data into that data relating to a tower and that data relating to one or more blades, for example.

The splitting of the sensor data may be achieved in a number of different ways. For example, the sensor data (which may include range data and position data) may be used to generate a point cloud representation of the object 5, a part thereof, and/or any other nearby objects within the effective range of the sensor or sensor 171 being used.

Using a K-means approach or otherwise, the point cloud or other sensor data may be clustered—i.e., separated into the parts which represent one or more parts of the initial model (e.g., the nominal model) of the object 5.

The navigation program may then estimate a centroid or other reference point of at least one part of object 5 as represented in the clustered sensor data—e.g., taking each part of the object 5 to be represented by a shape such as an ellipse.

The navigation program may then attempt one or more transformations to compare the one or more parts of the object in the initial model of the object 5 with the one or more parts from the clustered sensor data. In this respect, the navigation program may determine one or more transformations of the centroid(s) and/or other reference point(s) with corresponding points in the initial model.

The navigation program may be configured to determine a best fit transform for the object 5 as represented in the sensor data with the object 5 as represented by the initial model 5. This may be achieved using an iterative best fit method.

Similarly, for the localization process, the navigation program may determine a best fit transformation for the location of the object 5 as a whole (or a static part thereof such as the tower of a wind turbine) relative to the vehicle 1 (e.g., relative to the inspection system 19). Again, this may use an iterative best fit method.

The navigation program may then generate a transformed initial model of the object 5 which is based on the sensor data. This transformed initial model may be the in-flight model and may be a version of the nominal model used for initial model but with updated parameters.

The mapping process may be performed less frequently than the localization process if the configuration of the object 5 is unlikely to change, for example. Alternatively, both processes can be performed on an ongoing and repeated basis.

In another version of the mapping process, a centroid of a first part of the object (e.g., the tower) is taken to be a center of the object 5. In this part of the process, a moving average may be used to smooth the estimation and accommodate false measurements. The navigation program may be configured to ignore the height of parts of the object 5 to generate a 2-D representation of the centroids of second parts (or sub-parts) of the object 5 (e.g., the blades). The navigation program may perform a linear regression on these points to estimate of the angle of the second part of the object 5 with respect to the first part of the object 5 (for example) using a gradient of the or each line generated as a result of the 2-D representation. The navigation program may be configured to cluster the centroids of the sensor data relating to the second part of the object 5 into 3 elements using a K-means approach. The navigation program may be configured to perform a linear regression to each of the clusters of the sensor data relating to the second parts of the object 5. The navigation program may be configured to generate a mean intersection point of the resulting lines representing the second part of the object 5 to determine an approximate the height of the object 5. A gradient of each of the lines representing the second part of the object 5 can be used to estimate the position of the second part with respect to the first part (e.g., blade position with respect to the tower). Accordingly, the configuration of the object 5 may be determined and the initial model updated to generate the in-flight model. Localization may be performed as described above.

Iterative closest fit and linear regression approaches have been discussed above. However, in some embodiments, the mapping and/or localization processes may use other techniques in order to generate the in-flight model.

As will be appreciated, the model of the object 5 may be determined, at least in part, based on the initial information, for example. As will be understood, the sensor data used in this process may include sensor data generated by the or each sensor 171 (which may include range information, e.g., from a LiDAR sensor, or other depth/range sensor as described herein).

This process may be repeated in-flight—resulting in refinement of the in-flight model (see FIG. 8 , for example, which shows an original model overlaid with a new representation of the blades of a turbine).

In some embodiments, the mapping and/or localization processes of the navigation program may include using one or more such techniques to generate the in-flight model. In embodiments, in which multiple techniques are used, then the results may be combined—which may be using standard deviations, an average (e.g., a mean), and may be a weighted combination based on covariance or on sensor status for the or each sensor 171 used to generate the data.

This may, in some embodiments, comprise the navigation program combining sensor data and then using the combined sensor data to generate the in-flight model or using the sensor data to generate multiple in-flight models and then combining the in-flight models.

In some embodiments, a neural network or a particle filter or a Kalman filter is used to combine a plurality of in-flight models and/or sensor data. In some embodiments, the most recent sensor data is used to generate the in-flight model. In some embodiments, the sensor data is weighted according to the sensor 171 which generated the sensor data. This may include, for example, changing the weighting in-flight during operation of the autonomous vehicle 1.

The mapping process is configured to generate the in-flight model which is then used by the localization process, which positions that in-flight model within a frame of reference used by the autonomous vehicle 1 and, in particular, by the navigation program.

In some embodiments, the mapping and/or localization processes are undertaken using multiple in-flight models which are then combined—e.g., using an average (e.g., a mean) or any other suitable method—to determine the configuration and/or location of the autonomous vehicle 1.

Thus, in some embodiments, the in-flight model is an important aspect of the operation of the navigation program. In some embodiments, therefore, the navigation program may include, as part of the flight plan, one or more transition locations which are intended to guide the autonomous vehicle 1 along an initial mapping segment of the flight plan. In this initial mapping segment, the autonomous vehicle 1 may be moved relative to the object 5 (based on the model of the object used in the generation of the flight plan, i.e., an initial model) to allow the mapping and/or localization processes to be undertaken in order to generate the in-flight model. This initial mapping segment may include, for example, controlling the movement of the autonomous vehicle 1 to travel with respect to at least a portion of the object 5 such that the at least a portion of the object 5 can be sensed by the sensor system 17—e.g., within range of the one or more inspection sensors 171.

The initial mapping segment may, therefore, be configured to cause movement of the autonomous vehicle 1 along a predetermined length of the object 5. In some embodiments, initial mapping segment may include, in addition to the movement along a predetermined length of the object, a further movement in the same direction. In particular, it will be understood that the predetermined length is determined based on the model of the object 5 (before the in-flight model has been generated). If the actual object 5 extends beyond this predetermined length, then this may be useful information for use in generating the in-flight model. The further movement in the same direction may include a movement of an additional 20% compared to the predetermined length, for example.

In the case of the object 5 being a wind turbine, then the initial mapping segment may be a movement of the autonomous vehicle 1 along a length of the tower of the wind turbine—e.g., with the autonomous vehicle 1 positioned with respect to the wind turbine such that the sensor system 17 can sense the tower of the wind turbine. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance may be a substantial part of the length of the tower. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance may be an upper length of the tower. In some embodiments, the further movement is a movement above the top of the tower (based on the model used). In some embodiments, the further movement would take the autonomous vehicle 1 to a height of 120% of the height of the tower (based on the model used). FIG. 11 shows an autonomous vehicle 1 performing such a movement along a part of the length of the tower. FIG. 10 shows an autonomous vehicle 1 approaching the top of the tower.

In some embodiments, therefore, the mapping process may occur after the autonomous vehicle 1 has been moved in accordance with the initial segment mapping of the flight plan.

In some embodiments, the localization process includes the navigation program determining the relative location of the autonomous vehicle 1 with respect to the in-flight model. In other words, the localization process may include positioning the in-flight model within a frame of reference of the autonomous vehicle 1.

In some embodiments, the localization process uses location information (i.e., sensor data) provided by the sensor system 17. The location information may include general location information—which may include sensor data from a sensor 171 which is a radio navigation sensor. The localization process may include an initial localization step in which the initial model (i.e., as used to generate the flight plan) is positioned with a frame of reference to the autonomous vehicle 1 using such general location information. In some embodiments, the localization process continues during movement of the autonomous vehicle 1 along the initial mapping segment of the flight plan. During this part, the location of the in-flight model within the frame of reference of the autonomous vehicle 1 is determined. During this stage, more specific location information may be used from one or more others of the sensors 171—such as sensor data from a ranging sensor 171 as described herein.

The localization process may continue through all or part of the movement of the autonomous vehicle 1 along the flight path under the control of the navigation program.

During the mapping and localization processes, the navigation program, adjusts the flight path so that this matches the original flight plan but now based on the in-flight model.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated, the flight plan is generated by the navigation program based on an initial model (i.e., representation) of the object 5. This model may be used to determine the inspection locations and then the required sequence of locations (inspection and transition) to define the flight path and plan. The model is configured to allow an angular position of the inspection system 19 to be determined with respect to the object 5 to ensure proper inspect of the object 5. Initial flight may be based on this model and flight plan. Then during flight, a different or refined model may be used to update the flight plan (i.e., the in-flight model). The requirements of each model are different and the use of a different model in-flight reduces the computational overheads associated with updating the original model, for example. The original model may be referred to as a first model, an original model, or an initial model (the in-flight model may also be referred to, therefore, as the second model).

As mentioned above, FIG. 12 depicts an example flow diagram of a process of generating an in-flight model from combining two models generated using different data, along with the initial model (which may be the original model). This process may be implemented by the navigation program and may include combinations or more than two models (each of which may be generated using different sensor data to that shown in the figure). In some embodiments, such as that depicted in the diagram of FIG. 12 , the in-flight model may be updated and new position information for the vehicle 1 may also be generated—which may be done alternately, for example.

The mapping and/or localization processes may occur in-flight and may use data which is not the most recent sensor data acquired. In some instances, the mapping and/or localization processes may use historic data from earlier in the same flight. In some embodiments, a flight may be reviewed in post-flight analysis which includes completion of the mapping and/or locations processes using sensor data from the flight. The results may then be used in future flights—e.g., to modify the original or initial model.

The in-flight model (and the original model) may include representations of one or more of a center location of the bottom of the object (e.g. a tower of the wind turbine) relative to the initial position of the autonomous vehicle, a height of the object (e.g. a height of a center of the wind turbine blades) relative to the initial position of the autonomous vehicle, the rotation position (e.g. in degrees) of a first part of the object 5 with respect to another part (such as a first blade from a vertical position), a heading from the initial position of the object 5 with respect to the initial position of the autonomous vehicle 1, and a blade center location (e.g. a distance of a center of the tower to the theoretical point where the blades meet).

Embodiments of the navigation program may use one or more different frames of reference during its execution. These frames of reference may include frames of reference of a geographically universal nature (e.g., longitude and latitude) or locally defined frames of reference with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1 and/or the object 5 or a part thereof.

The operations and processes of the navigation program may generally be separated into two parts—(i) location determining parts and (ii) inspection parts. Location determining parts include all of the processes which determine or refine the location and configuration of the object 5 with respect to the autonomous vehicle 1. The Inspection parts include the parts which are involved in inspection of the object 5 (including the control of the movement of the autonomous vehicle 1). The performance of these parts of the navigation program may generally be referred to as the “mission”. Aspects of the operation of the autonomous vehicle 1 which are not directly associated with the mission may include preparatory processes (such as starting up the drive system 12, booting up any of the computers described herein, performing initial pre-flight safety checks, and performing any emergency post-mission or mid-mission actions. As will be understood, there may be pauses in the operation of the inspection parts of the operation of the navigation program following instances of the operation of the location determining parts (e.g., as changes are identified).

The navigation program may include an in-flight safety process. The in-flight safety process may be configured to execute whilst the navigation program is controlling movement of the autonomous vehicle 1. The in-flight safety process may be configured to determine whether there are any reasons why the flight cannot continue. If any such reasons are determined, then one or more emergency actions may be performed.

The in-flight safety process may, therefore, check a plurality of different aspects of the operation of one or more of the navigation program itself, the autonomous vehicle 1, the base station 2, and the operator interface device 4.

The in-flight safety process may include checking one or more of:

-   -   whether the sensor system 17 is operating correctly;     -   whether one or more of the sensors 171 is operating correctly         (e.g., one sensor 171 which indicates a position of the         autonomous vehicle 1 (e.g., with respect to the object 5) which         is more than a predetermined threshold from that indicated by         another sensor 171 (or an average of the position determined by         multiple other sensors 171) may trigger an emergency action);     -   whether the inspection system 19 is operating correctly;     -   whether one or more inspection sensors 191 is operating         correctly;     -   whether the power source 14 has sufficient power reserves to         complete the flight plan;     -   whether there is a fault from the power source 14;     -   whether the flight control system 15 is operating correctly;     -   whether the navigation system 16 is operating correctly;     -   whether the drive system 12 is operating correctly;     -   whether the visual guidance system 20 is operating correctly;         and     -   whether the communication system 18 is operating correctly         and/or whether communications are established with the base         station 2 and/or the operator interface device 4, and/or the         remote server 3.

On detecting a potential fault, the in-flight safety process is configured to determine if the fault will impact the completion or safe completion of the flight plan, and/or will impact the ability of the autonomous vehicle 1 to return to the home location, and/or will impact the ability of the autonomous vehicle 1 to land at another location (i.e., other than the home location).

The in-flight safety process may be configured to take a course of action based on this assessment. If the flight plan can be completed despite the detected fault (and the fault does not impact the operation of the inspection system 19), then the in-flight safety process may not interrupt the operation of the rest of the navigation program. In some such embodiments, an alert may be sent for display on the operator interface device 4 to notify the operator of the fault.

If the flight plan cannot be completed in light of the fault, then the in-flight safety process may be configured to determine a new flight plant to return the autonomous vehicle 1 to the home location (“RTL”—return to launch). This process may include determining one or more transition locations. In some embodiments, the in-flight safety process may determine whether the new flight plan (an emergency return to home flight plan) is a safe flight path for the autonomous vehicle 1—i.e., that the path is not likely to cause the autonomous vehicle 1 to impact the object 5 or another object (other than the object 5). If the flight path is safe to complete, then the in-flight safety process may cause the autonomous vehicle 1 to travel along the emergency return to home flight plan to land at the home location. In some such embodiments, an alert may be sent for display on the operator interface device 4 to notify the operator of the action taken.

If the in-flight safety process cannot determine a safe flight plan to return the autonomous vehicle 1 to the home location and/or the process determines that the autonomous vehicle 1 cannot reach the home location (e.g., due to inadequate power), then the in-flight safety process may determine a new flight path to a different location (other than the home location). This process may include determining one or more transition locations. In some embodiments, the in-flight safety process may determine whether the new flight plan (an emergency landing flight plan) is a safe flight path for the autonomous vehicle 1—i.e., that the path is not likely to cause the autonomous vehicle 1 to impact the object 5 or another object (other than the object 5). If the flight path is safe to complete, then the in-flight safety process may cause the autonomous vehicle 1 to travel along the emergency landing flight plan to land the autonomous vehicle 1 at the other location. In some such embodiments, an alert may be sent for display on the operator interface device 4 to notify the operator of the action taken.

If the in-flight safety process cannot cause the landing, or cannot cause the safe landing of, the autonomous vehicle 1 at another location, then the in-flight safety process may send an alert for display on the operator interface device 4 to notify the operator that the operator should use the operator interface device 4 to take manual control of the flight of the autonomous vehicle 1. The operator may input one or more commands via the interface 42 which are sent to the autonomous vehicle 1 (directly or via the base station 2) and which are then used to control the operation of the drive system 12 to control the movement of the autonomous vehicle 1.

In accordance with some embodiments, the operator interface device 4 is configured to receive a command from the operator (e.g., via the interface 42) indicating that the operator will take manual control of the autonomous vehicle 1—in much the same manner as described above but without requiring the detection of a fault.

As will be appreciated, the references to a flight plan or flight path are references to a navigation plan or path and are likewise references to an inspection plan or inspection path.

The operations of the navigation program of some embodiments are shown in FIG. 9 for ease of reference—which shows a state flow.

As will be understood, the navigation program provides an updated in-flight model which is used during flight of the autonomous vehicle 1 to control the flight of the vehicle 1. The flight plan itself may not substantially change in some embodiments but may be shifted in space as the actual location of the object 5 is refined within the model. However, as will be appreciated, this shifting of the flight plan does constitute a change in the flight plan as well as in the model during flight.

The autonomous vehicle 1, as will be understood, follows a flight plan (which may be updated in-flight) which causes the autonomous vehicle 1 to move between at least two inspection locations (a first inspection location and a second inspection location). At each inspection location, the inspection system 19 is used to inspect the object 5.

The inspection system computer 192 may be provided with information concerning the inspection locations. This information may include a distance between the inspection system 19 (and, in particular, the or each inspection sensor 191 such as a camera 191 a). The information is, therefore, referred to as inspection location data.

The inspection system computer 192 may be configured to control the operation of the one or more inspection sensors 191 (such as a camera 191 a) in order to ensure that the object 5 is inspected by the or each inspection sensor 191 accurately. In some embodiments, the inspection system computer 192 may be configured to control the operation of the one or more inspection sensors 191 based on the inspection location data.

In some embodiments, this process includes the inspection system computer 192 determining one or more inspection system parameters based on the inspection location data. In some instances, however, the inspection location data includes the one or more inspection system parameters. The one or more inspection system parameters include parameters which are used to configure at least one of the one or more inspection sensors 191. The or each inspection system parameter may include, for example, (e.g., in the case of a camera 191 a) focus setting (such as a focal distance), a shutter speed, an aperture size, and the like.

As will be appreciated, the inspection location data may vary from one inspection location to another. In particular, the inspection location data for the first inspection location may be different to the inspection location data for the second inspection location. Likewise, there may be more inspection locations and each may have different inspection location data to another inspection location.

The inspection locations form a sequence in accordance with the flight plan (and may be interspersed with transition locations, as described herein).

The inspection system computer 192 may be configured to control the operation of the or each inspection sensor 191 using the inspection location data (and the or each inspection system parameter) as the autonomous vehicle 1 moves between inspection locations. In particular, as the autonomous vehicle 1 moves towards an inspection location, the inspection system computer 192 may control the or each inspection sensor 191 such that the or each inspection sensor 191 is configured to perform an inspection operation on the object 5 when the autonomous vehicle 1 arrives at that inspection location. In other words, the inspection system computer 192 may have configured the or each inspection sensor 191 to inspect the object 5 at the first inspection location using first inspection location data (and one or more first inspection system parameters). After the inspection system 19 has been used in a first inspection operation at the first inspection location, the autonomous vehicle 1 commences movement towards the second inspection location (e.g., directly or via one or more transition locations (“towards” in this instance being in accordance with the flight plan determined sequence)). After the inspection system 19 has completed the first inspection operation, the inspection system computer 192 may be configured to control the operation of the or each inspection sensor 191 to configure the or each inspection sensor 191 using the second inspection location data (and one or more second inspection system parameters). As or before the autonomous vehicle 1 arrives at the second inspection location, the or each inspection sensor 191 is, therefore, configured for a second inspection operation at the second inspection location. This process reduces the amount of time the autonomous vehicle 1 must remain at each inspection location.

In some embodiments, the or each inspection system parameter may be refined at the inspection location based one or more sensed parameters at the inspection location (e.g., sensed by one or more of the inspection sensors 191 and/or one or more sensors 171 of the sensor system 17). Thus, for example, a more precise (or actual) distance of the autonomous vehicle 1 (and so the inspection sensor 19) from the object 5 may be determined at the inspection location. As will be appreciated, as this may be fine tuning of the configuration of the or each inspection sensor 191, the majority of any configuration may have occurred as the autonomous vehicle 1 was still moving. Thus, this process may still reduce the amount of time the autonomous vehicle 1 must remain at each inspection location.

In some embodiments, the inspection system 19 is configured to store the inspection data (under the control of the inspection system computer 192) in the storage medium 192 a after the or each inspection operation. In some embodiments, the inspection system 19 is configured to send the inspection data to the communication system 18 (e.g., to one or more of the communication interfaces 181) for transmission from the autonomous vehicle 1 (e.g., to the base station 2, the remote server 3, and/or the operator interface device 4).

The inspection system computer 192 may be configured to determine whether to send the inspection data (e.g., after an inspection operation at an inspection location) to the communication system 18 based at least in part on the flight plan. In some embodiments, the inspection system computer 192 is configured to determine whether to send the inspection data based on one or more of the expected length of time to travel to the next inspection location, the volume of inspection data collated for the last inspection operation (and/or any other inspection operations for which the inspection data has not yet been sent), the transmission rate available using the communication system 18 (and, e.g., one or more of the communication interfaces 181 for use in the sending of the inspection data), and the availability or signal strength of the one or more communication interfaces 181 for use in sending of the inspection data. Accordingly, the inspection data 19 may be sent from the autonomous vehicle 1 during appropriate portions of the flight of the autonomous vehicle 1. This may make more efficient use of available resources on the autonomous vehicle 1 and, for example, decrease the time which may otherwise be required to extract the inspection data from the autonomous vehicle 1.

In some embodiments, the communication system 18 is configured to determine if and when to send the inspection data from the autonomous vehicle 1—in the same manner as described above—and may, therefore, be configured to request inspection data from the inspection system 19 when required.

As will be appreciated, therefore, in some embodiments, the inspection system 19 is configured to perform the following operations:

-   -   a configuration operation (to configure the or each inspection         sensor 191 to perform the inspection operation);     -   the inspection operation (to capture the inspection data); and     -   a send/store operation (to send and/or store the inspection         data).

As will also be appreciated, the configuration operation may be undertaken (at least partially, if not entirely) during flight to an inspection location). The inspection operation occurs at the inspection location and the send/store operation may occur at least partially during flight to another inspection or transition location. In some embodiments, the send/store operation occurs at least partially whilst the autonomous vehicle 1 is at an inspection location (and may, therefore, overlap with the inspection operation in terms of when they are performed).

The operations above in relation to the inspection system computer 192 may be undertaken in accordance with an inspection system program which may be configured for execution by the inspection system computer 192. This program need not, in some embodiments, be executed by the inspection system computer 192 but could be executed by another computer (e.g., such as one of the other computers described herein).

The autonomous vehicle 1 may be a rotorcraft such as a helicopter which may be a multirotor helicopter (e.g., helicopter having two or more rotors providing lift and maneuvering forces).

The autonomous vehicle 1 may be a fixed wing aircraft (which may be a glider or a powered aircraft). The autonomous vehicle 1 may be an aerostat (such as an airship).

The autonomous vehicle 1 may be a ground vehicle which includes at least one ground engaging member—such as a wheel or track—and which is configured to be driven across a ground surface.

The autonomous vehicle 1 may be a watercraft, such as a boat or submarine.

The autonomous vehicle may be an amphibious vehicle, for example, which is configured to travel through water and across a ground surface—such as a hovercraft, for example.

As will be appreciated, embodiments of the present invention are applicable to different types of vehicle and the above described embodiments could be implemented in relation to any such autonomous vehicle 1.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilized for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Aspects

A1. A navigation program for an autonomous vehicle, the navigation program configured to:

-   -   determine an initial inspection plan for an autonomous vehicle         to inspect an object based on an initial model of the object;     -   control movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with         the initial inspection plan;     -   receive sensor data from a sensor system during movement of the         autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection         plan;     -   generate an in-flight model of the object based on the received         sensor data; and     -   generate an updated inspection plan using the in-flight model         and the initial inspection plan.

A2. A navigation program according to aspect A1, further configured to:

-   -   receive an initial model of the object to be inspected by the         autonomous vehicle;     -   identify an inspection target associated with the initial model         of the object; and     -   determine an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle from         which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection system         of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model includes         one or more convex shapes representing the object and the         initial inspection plan includes the inspection location.

A3. A navigation program according to aspect A1 or A2, wherein the received sensor data is generated by a ranging sensor of the sensor system.

A4. A navigation program according to aspect A3, wherein the ranging sensor is a LiDAR sensor.

A5. A navigation program according to any preceding aspect, further configured to generate the in-flight model at least in part by clustering the sensor data and associating one or more geometric shapes with the clustered sensor data.

A6. A navigation program according to any preceding aspect, further configured to generate the in-flight model at least in part by use of an iterative closest point technique using sensor data in the form of a point cloud.

A7. A navigation program according to any preceding aspect, further configured to merge a plurality of in-flight models to arrive at the in-flight model.

A8. A navigation method for an autonomous vehicle, the navigation method including:

-   -   determining an initial inspection plan for an autonomous vehicle         to inspect an object based on an initial model of the object;     -   controlling movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance         with the initial inspection plan;     -   receiving sensor data from a sensor system during movement of         the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection         plan;     -   generating an in-flight model of the object based on the         received sensor data; and     -   generating an updated inspection plan using the in-flight model         and the initial inspection plan.

A9. A navigation method according to aspect A8, further including:

-   -   receiving an initial model of the object to be inspected by the         autonomous vehicle;     -   identifying an inspection target associated with the initial         model of the object; and     -   determining an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle         from which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection         system of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model         includes one or more convex shapes representing the object and         the initial inspection plan includes the inspection location.

A10. A navigation method according to aspect A8 or A9, wherein the received sensor data is generated by a ranging sensor of the sensor system.

A11. A navigation method according to aspect A10, wherein the ranging sensor is a LiDAR sensor.

A12. A navigation method according to any of aspects A8 to A11, further including generating the in-flight model at least in part by clustering the sensor data and associating one or more geometric shapes with the clustered sensor data.

A13. A navigation method according to any of aspects A8 to A12, further including generating the in-flight model at least in part by use of an iterative closest point technique using sensor data in the form of a point cloud.

A14. A navigation method according to any of aspects A8 to A13, further including merging a plurality of in-flight models to arrive at the in-flight model.

A15. A navigation system for an autonomous vehicle, the navigation system configured to:

-   -   determine an initial inspection plan for an autonomous vehicle         to inspect an object based on an initial model of the object;     -   control movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with         the initial inspection plan;     -   receive sensor data from a sensor system during movement of the         autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection         plan;     -   generate an in-flight model of the object based on the received         sensor data; and     -   generate an updated inspection plan using the in-flight model         and the initial inspection plan.

A16. A navigation system according to aspect A15, further configured to:

-   -   receive an initial model of the object to be inspected by the         autonomous vehicle;     -   identify an inspection target associated with the initial model         of the object; and     -   determine an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle from         which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection system         of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model includes         one or more convex shapes representing the object and the         initial inspection plan includes the inspection location.

A17. A navigation system according to aspect A15 or A16, wherein the received sensor data is generated by a ranging sensor of the sensor system.

A18. A navigation system according to aspect A17, wherein the ranging sensor is a LiDAR sensor.

A19. A navigation system according to any of aspects A15 to A18, further configured to generate the in-flight model at least in part by clustering the sensor data and associating one or more geometric shapes with the clustered sensor data.

A20. A navigation system according to any of aspects A15 to A19, further configured to generate the in-flight model at least in part by use of an iterative closest point technique using sensor data in the form of a point cloud.

A21. A navigation system according to any of aspects A15 to A20, further configured to merge a plurality of in-flight models to arrive at the in-flight model.

A22. An autonomous vehicle including a navigation program according to any of aspects A1 to A7 or a navigation system according to any of aspects A15 to A21.

B1. An inspection system program for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the inspection system program configured to:

-   -   receive an inspection plan indicating at least two inspection         locations and inspection location data associated with each         inspection location; and     -   control operation of the inspection system to configure one or         more inspection sensors of the inspection system based on the         inspection location data as the autonomous vehicle moves between         the at least two inspection locations, such that the or each         inspection sensor is configured to inspect the object at each         inspection location.

B2. An inspection method for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the inspection method including:

-   -   receiving an inspection plan indicating at least two inspection         locations and inspection location data associated with each         inspection location;     -   controlling operation of the inspection system to configure one         or more inspection sensors of the inspection system based on the         inspection location data as the autonomous vehicle moves between         the at least two inspection locations, such that the or each         inspection sensor is configured to inspect the object at each         inspection location.

B3. An inspection system for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the inspection system configured to:

-   -   receive an inspection plan indicating at least two inspection         locations and inspection location data associated with each         inspection location; and     -   control operation of the inspection system to configure one or         more inspection sensors of the inspection system based on the         inspection location data as the autonomous vehicle moves between         the at least two inspection locations, such that the or each         inspection sensor is configured to inspect the object at each         inspection location.

B4. An autonomous vehicle including an inspection system program according to aspect B1 or an inspection system according to aspect B3.

C1. A navigation program for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the navigation program configured to:

-   -   receive a nominal model of the object;     -   receive one or more parameters associated with the nominal model         to define an initial model of the object;     -   provide navigation instructions to control the operation of the         vehicle;     -   receive sensor data representing at least part of the object;     -   analyze the sensor data to determine an in-flight model by         adjusting one or more parameters associated with the nominal         model.

C2. A navigation method for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the navigation method including:

-   -   receiving a nominal model of the object;     -   receiving one or more parameters associated with the nominal         model to define an initial model of the object;     -   providing navigation instructions to control the operation of         the vehicle;     -   receiving sensor data representing at least part of the object;     -   analyzing the sensor data to determine an in-flight model by         adjusting one or more parameters associated with the nominal         model.

C3. A navigation system for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the navigation system configured to:

-   -   receive a nominal model of the object;     -   receive one or more parameters associated with the nominal model         to define an initial model of the object;     -   provide navigation instructions to control the operation of the         vehicle;     -   receive sensor data representing at least part of the object;     -   analyze the sensor data to determine an in-flight model by         adjusting one or more parameters associated with the nominal         model.

C4. An autonomous vehicle including a navigation program according to aspect C1 or a navigation system according to aspect C3.

D1. A navigation program for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the navigation program configured to:

-   -   receive sensor data from a plurality of different sensors, the         sensor data representing at least part of the object;     -   cluster the sensor data based on an initial model of the object;     -   determine the relative position of one or more parts of the         object with respect to each other or determine a position of the         object with respect to the vehicle; and     -   update the initial model using the determined position or         determined relative position.

D2. A navigation method for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the navigation method including:

-   -   receiving sensor data from a plurality of different sensors, the         sensor data representing at least part of the object;     -   clustering the sensor data based on an initial model of the         object;     -   determining the relative position of one or more parts of the         object with respect to each other or determine a position of the         object with respect to the vehicle; and     -   updating the initial model using the determined position or         determined relative position.

D3. A navigation system for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the navigation system configured to:

-   -   receive sensor data from a plurality of different sensors, the         sensor data representing at least part of the object;     -   cluster the sensor data based on an initial model of the object;     -   determine the relative position of one or more parts of the         object with respect to each other or determine a position of the         object with respect to the vehicle; and     -   update the initial model using the determined position or         determined relative position.

D4. An autonomous vehicle including a navigation program according to aspect D1 or a navigation system according to aspect D3.

E1. A navigation program for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the navigation program configured to:

-   -   use an initial model of the object to instruct the movement of         the vehicle with respect to the object;     -   generate a plurality of in-flight models of the object using         sensor data from a plurality of different sensors collected         during movement of the vehicle with respect to the object;     -   combine the plurality of in-flight models; and     -   update the initial model using the combined plurality of         in-flight models.

E2. A navigation method for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the navigation method including:

-   -   using an initial model of the object to instruct the movement of         the vehicle with respect to the object;     -   generating a plurality of in-flight models of the object using         sensor data from a plurality of different sensors collected         during movement of the vehicle with respect to the object;     -   combining the plurality of in-flight models; and     -   updating the initial model using the combined plurality of         in-flight models.

E3. A navigation system for an autonomous vehicle with an inspection system for use in inspecting an object, the navigation system configured to:

-   -   use an initial model of the object to instruct the movement of         the vehicle with respect to the object;     -   generate a plurality of in-flight models of the object using         sensor data from a plurality of different sensors collected         during movement of the vehicle with respect to the object;     -   combine the plurality of in-flight models; and     -   update the initial model using the combined plurality of         in-flight models.

E4. An autonomous vehicle including a navigation program according to aspect E1 or a navigation system according to aspect E3.

F1. A navigation program for an autonomous vehicle, the navigation program configured to:

-   -   receive an initial model of an object to be inspected by the         autonomous vehicle;     -   identify an inspection target associated with the initial model         of the object; and     -   determine an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle from         which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection system         of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model includes         one or more shapes representing the object which permit a         projection from the inspection location to the inspection target         to be determined.

F2. A navigation program according to aspect F1, wherein the representation of the object in the initial model includes one or more convex shapes.

F3. A navigation program according to aspect F1 or F2, further configured to determine a plurality of inspection locations from which the inspection target is inspectable.

F4. A navigation program according to any preceding, further configured to determine one or more inspection locations for the autonomous vehicle from which one or more further inspection targets are inspectable by the inspection system.

F5. A navigation program according to aspect F4, further configured to determine a plurality of inspection plans in which each inspection target is inspected, optionally further configured to check that each of the inspection plans does not violate one or more constraints, and/or optionally further configured to alter one or more of the inspection plans.

F6. A navigation program according to aspect F5, further configured to cost the inspection plans in relation to a cost criterion to determine a lowest cost inspection plan.

F7. A navigation program according to any preceding aspect, further configured to:

-   -   determine an initial inspection plan for an autonomous vehicle         to inspect an object based on the initial model of the object,         the initial inspection plan including the inspection location;     -   control movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with         the initial inspection plan;     -   receive sensor data from a sensor system during movement of the         autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection         plan;     -   generate an in-flight model of the object based on the received         sensor data; and     -   generate an updated inspection plan using the in-flight model         and the initial inspection plan.

F8. A navigation method for an autonomous vehicle, the navigation method including:

-   -   receiving an initial model of an object to be inspected by the         autonomous vehicle;     -   identifying an inspection target associated with the initial         model of the object; and     -   determining an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle         from which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection         system of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model         includes one or more convex shapes representing the object.

F9. A navigation method according to aspect F8, wherein the representation of the object in the initial model includes only convex shapes.

F10. A navigation method according to aspect F8 or F9, further including determining a plurality of inspection locations from which the inspection target is inspectable.

F11. A navigation method according to any of aspects F8 to F10, further including determining one or more inspection locations for the autonomous vehicle from which one or more further inspection targets are inspectable by the inspection system.

F12. A navigation method according to aspect F11, further including determining a plurality of inspection plans in which each inspection target is inspected, optionally further including checking that each of the inspection plans does not violate one or more constraints, and/or optionally further including altering one or more of the inspection plans.

F13. A navigation method according to aspect F12, further including costing the inspection plans in relation to a cost criterion to determine a lowest cost inspection plan.

F14. A navigation method according to any of aspects F8 to F13, further including:

-   -   determining an initial inspection plan for an autonomous vehicle         to inspect an object based on the initial model of the object,         the initial inspection plan including the inspection location;     -   controlling movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance         with the initial inspection plan;     -   receiving sensor data from a sensor system during movement of         the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection         plan;     -   generating an in-flight model of the object based on the         received sensor data; and     -   generating an updated inspection plan using the in-flight model         and the initial inspection plan.

F15. A navigation system for an autonomous vehicle, the navigation system configured to:

-   -   receive an initial model of an object to be inspected by the         autonomous vehicle;     -   identify an inspection target associated with the initial model         of the object; and     -   determine an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle from         which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection system         of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model includes         one or more shapes representing the object which permit a         projection from the inspection location to the inspection target         to be determined.

F16. A navigation system according to aspect F15, wherein the representation of the object in the initial model includes one or more convex shapes.

F17. A navigation system according to aspect F15 or F16, further configured to determine a plurality of inspection locations from which the inspection target is inspectable.

F18. A navigation system according to any of aspects F15 to F17, further configured to determine one or more inspection locations for the autonomous vehicle from which one or more further inspection targets are inspectable by the inspection system.

F19. A navigation system according to aspect F18, further configured to determine a plurality of inspection plans in which each inspection target is inspected.

F20. A navigation system according to aspect F19, further configured to check that each of the inspection plans does not violate one or more constraints.

F21. A navigation system according to aspect F20, further configured to alter one or more of the inspection plans.

F22. A navigation system according to aspect F20 or F21, further configured to cost the inspection plans in relation to a cost criterion to determine a lowest cost inspection plan.

F23. A navigation system according to any of aspects F15 to F22, further configured to:

-   -   determine an initial inspection plan for an autonomous vehicle         to inspect an object based on the initial model of the object,         the initial inspection plan including the inspection location;     -   control movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with         the initial inspection plan;     -   receive sensor data from a sensor system during movement of the         autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection         plan;     -   generate an in-flight model of the object based on the received         sensor data; and     -   generate an updated inspection plan using the in-flight model         and the initial inspection plan.

F24. An autonomous vehicle including a navigation program according to any of aspects F1 to F7 or a navigation system according to any of aspects F15 to F23. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory storage medium storing a navigation program for an autonomous vehicle that, when executed, direct a system for the autonomous vehicle to: receive an initial model of an object to be inspected by the autonomous vehicle; identify an inspection target associated with the initial model of the object; determine an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle from which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection system of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model includes one or more convex polygons in a stack representing the object, each convex polygon of the one or more convex polygons permitting a projection from the inspection location to the inspection target to be determined, and wherein each convex polygon of the one or more convex polygons has a predetermined thickness such that each convex polygon forms a corresponding slab with the predetermined thickness; and control movement of the autonomous vehicle to inspect the inspection target from the inspection location.
 2. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of convex polygons, wherein a thickness of one of the plurality of convex polygons differs from a thickness of another of the plurality of convex polygons.
 3. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of convex polygons and each convex polygon is parallel to an adjacent convex polygon.
 4. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of convex polygons and each convex polygon is angled with respect to, and not parallel to, an adjacent convex polygon.
 5. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 1, wherein a representation of the object in the initial model includes only convex shapes.
 6. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the navigation program further directs the system for the autonomous vehicle to determine a plurality of inspection locations from which the inspection target is inspectable.
 7. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the navigation program further directs the system for the autonomous vehicle to determine one or more inspection locations for the autonomous vehicle from which one or more further inspection targets are inspectable by the inspection system.
 8. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 7, wherein the navigation program further directs the system for the autonomous vehicle to determine a plurality of inspection plans in which each inspection target is inspected, optionally check that each of the inspection plans does not violate one or more constraints, and optionally alter one or more of the inspection plans.
 9. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 8, wherein the navigation program further directs the system for the autonomous vehicle to cost the inspection plans in relation to a cost criterion to determine a lowest cost inspection plan.
 10. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the navigation program further directs the system for the autonomous vehicle to: determine an initial inspection plan for an autonomous vehicle to inspect an object based on the initial model of the object, the initial inspection plan including the inspection location wherein to control movement of the autonomous vehicle to inspect the inspection target from the inspection location, the navigation program directs the system for the autonomous vehicle to control movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection plan; receive sensor data from a sensor system during movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection plan; generate an in-flight model of the object based on the received sensor data; and generate an updated inspection plan using the in-flight model and the initial inspection plan.
 11. A navigation method for an autonomous vehicle, the navigation method including: receiving an initial model of an object to be inspected by the autonomous vehicle; identifying an inspection target associated with the initial model of the object; determining an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle from which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection system of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model includes one or more convex polygons in a stack representing the object, each convex polygon of the one or more convex polygons permitting a projection from the inspection location to the inspection target to be determined, and wherein each convex polygon of the one or more convex polygons has a predetermined thickness such that each convex polygon forms a corresponding slab with the predetermined thickness; and controlling movement of the autonomous vehicle to inspect the inspection target from the inspection location.
 12. The navigation method according to claim 11, wherein there is a plurality of convex polygons, wherein a thickness of one of the plurality of convex polygons differs from a thickness of another of the plurality of convex polygons.
 13. The navigation method according to claim 11, wherein there is a plurality of convex polygons and each convex polygon is parallel to an adjacent convex polygon.
 14. The navigation method according to claim 11, wherein there is a plurality of convex polygons and each convex polygon is angled with respect to, and not parallel to, an adjacent convex polygon.
 15. The navigation method according to claim 11, wherein a representation of the object in the initial model includes only convex shapes.
 16. The navigation method according to claim 11, further including determining a plurality of inspection locations from which the inspection target is inspectable.
 17. The navigation method according to claim 11, further including determining one or more inspection locations for the autonomous vehicle from which one or more further inspection targets are inspectable by the inspection system.
 18. The navigation method according to claim 17, further including determining a plurality of inspection plans in which each inspection target is inspected, optionally further including checking that each of the inspection plans does not violate one or more constraints, and optionally further including altering one or more of the inspection plans.
 19. The navigation method according to claim 18, further including costing the inspection plans in relation to a cost criterion to determine a lowest cost inspection plan.
 20. The navigation method according to claim 11, further including: determining an initial inspection plan for an autonomous vehicle to inspect an object based on the initial model of the object, the initial inspection plan including the inspection location wherein controlling movement of the autonomous vehicle to inspect the inspection target from the inspection location includes controlling movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection plan; receiving sensor data from a sensor system during movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection plan; generating an in-flight model of the object based on the received sensor data; and generating an updated inspection plan using the in-flight model and the initial inspection plan.
 21. A navigation system for an autonomous vehicle, the navigation system configured to: receive an initial model of an object to be inspected by the autonomous vehicle; identify an inspection target associated with the initial model of the object; determine an inspection location for the autonomous vehicle from which inspection target is inspectable by an inspection system of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the initial model includes one or more convex polygons in a stack representing the object, each convex polygon of the one or more convex polygons permitting a projection from the inspection location to the inspection target to be determined, and wherein each convex polygon of the one or more convex polygons has a predetermined thickness such that each convex polygon forms a corresponding slab with the predetermined thickness; and control movement of the autonomous vehicle to inspect the inspection target from the inspection location.
 22. The navigation system according to claim 21, wherein there is a plurality of convex polygons, wherein a thickness of one of the plurality of convex polygons differs from a thickness of another of the plurality of convex polygons.
 23. The navigation system according to claim 21, wherein there is a plurality of convex polygons and each convex polygon is parallel to an adjacent convex polygon.
 24. The navigation system according to claim 21, wherein there is a plurality of convex polygons and each convex polygon is angled with respect to, and not parallel to, an adjacent convex polygon.
 25. The navigation system according to claim 21, wherein a representation of the object in the initial model includes one or more convex shapes.
 26. The navigation system according to claim 21, further configured to determine a plurality of inspection locations from which the inspection target is inspectable.
 27. The navigation system according to claim 21, further configured to determine one or more inspection locations for the autonomous vehicle from which one or more further inspection targets are inspectable by the inspection system.
 28. The navigation system according to claim 27, further configured to determine a plurality of inspection plans in which each inspection target is inspected.
 29. The navigation system according to claim 28, further configured to check that each of the inspection plans does not violate one or more constraints.
 30. The navigation system according to claim 29, further configured to alter one or more of the inspection plans.
 31. The navigation system according to claim 29, further configured to cost the inspection plans in relation to a cost criterion to determine a lowest cost inspection plan.
 32. The navigation system according to claim 21, further configured to: determine an initial inspection plan for an autonomous vehicle to inspect an object based on the initial model of the object, the initial inspection plan including the inspection location, wherein to control the movement of the autonomous vehicle to inspect the inspection target from the inspection location, the navigation system is configured to control movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection plan; receive sensor data from a sensor system during movement of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the initial inspection plan; generate an in-flight model of the object based on the received sensor data; and generate an updated inspection plan using the in-flight model and the initial inspection plan. 